Teacher of French & Spanish (Maternity Cover – 0.5FTE)
BARNARD CASTLE SCHOOL
Barnard Castle
Part-time
20th April 2026
Listed today
Teacher of French & Spanish (Maternity Cover – 0.5FTE) For September 2026 Welcome from the Headmaster Dear Candidate, Barnard Castle School is seeking to appoint an outstanding Teacher of French and Spanish to join our thriving day and boarding school, which has remained at the forefront of girls’ and boys’ education for over 130 years. While the school retains a strong academic record, our focus continues to be on developing life skills and nurturing individual character - something in which we take great care and pride. We welcome applications from teachers at all stages of their careers, and Early Career Teachers (ECTs) are encouraged to apply. Barney is an exciting and highly rewarding place to work, and I look forward to receiving your application. Yours faithfully, David Cresswell HEADMASTER The History of Barnard Castle School Barnard Castle School has a rich and enduring history, deeply rooted in a tradition of learning and community. The school traces its origins back to the nearby Hospital of St John, an educational and religious community established by John de Balliol in 1229. John de Balliol also founded Balliol College, Oxford, and his passion for education and opportunity remains central to our philosophy today. In 1883, with a generous gift from Benjamin Flounders, a Victorian philanthropist, and the proceeds of St John's Hospital, the present main school building was constructed. Since then, the school has grown and evolved, blending its historical foundations with a forward-thinking approach to education. In 2024, David Cresswell was appointed as Barney’s 11th Headmaster, continuing the school’s tradition of combining timeless values with future-focused ambition. Today, Barnard Castle School remains a place where the lessons of the past inspire the innovations of tomorrow, as we prepare our pupils to shape a changing world with courage, kindness, and integrity. Barnard Castle School: Shaping Tomorrow, One Step at a Time "Parvis imbutus tentabis grandia tutus" When you are steeped in little things, you shall safely attempt great things. At Barnard Castle School – or 'Barney' as it is affectionately known – we believe that small steps lead to big strides. Our vision is to inspire a generation of young people with the courage and kindness to dare greatly and shape a changing world. We want them to shape the future while proudly standing on the shoulders of those who came before them. Ambition – Daring to achieve, with the courage to innovate and the curiosity to explore. Character – Forged in challenge, strengthened by kindness, and rooted in integrity. Community – Honouring the past, strengthening our school and town, and building global connections that last a lifetime. These principles guide everything we do – from our academic programmes to our vibrant co-curricular offering. Our down-to-earth and inclusive community provides a safe environment for pupils to embrace challenges, pursue passions, and develop a sense of purpose that will stay with them long after they leave Barney. We are a school that blends tradition with forward-thinking ambition. Our origins trace back to the Hospital of St John, founded in 1229 by John de Balliol, who also established Balliol College, Oxford. That same love of learning and commitment to opportunity remains central to our philosophy today. As we look ahead to the 2030s, we continue to invest in modern facilities and innovative teaching approaches to meet the evolving needs of our pupils and the wider world. Barney is a place where connections are made and memories are formed. It is not unusual to see Year 11 pupils sharing lunch and conversation with younger peers or Sixth Formers mentoring new starters. Our pupils develop confidence, resilience, and humility as they grow – always encouraged to support and celebrate each other's successes. Staff at Barney play a crucial role in this journey. We seek teachers who share our purpose and are proactive in immersing themselves in the life of the school. Through our extensive 'Mind, Body, and Soul' programme, which runs from 4pm to 5pm, staff have the opportunity to lead activities they are passionate about, fostering authentic relationships beyond the classroom. We are also committed to helping teachers be the best versions of themselves. Our comprehensive Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme offers opportunities to hone their craft, supported by regular teach meets, peer collaboration, and other innovative initiatives. We want teachers who are ambitious about their own development and passionate about lifelong learning, recognising that their growth directly benefits our pupils. Our location, on the edge of the historic market town of Barnard Castle – recently recognised as one of the safest in England – offers a unique combination of heritage, community spirit, and access to outstanding natural beauty. We also benefit from partnerships with world-class universities in Durham, Newcastle, and York, enhancing our pupils' educational experience and broadening their horizons. At Barney, we believe that ambition, character, and community are not abstract ideals but lived experiences. Together, we take small steps every day – steps that build towards remarkable achievements and a future as bright as the generations of Barnardians who came before. Our Vision ● To be viewed as the leading independent co-educational day and boarding school in the North of England. Our Purpose ● Our purpose as a school is to inspire minds and build character, within a down-to-earth, inclusive community where everyone belongs, and hard work and good humour thrive. Our aim ● Our aim is to create a safe environment where pupils love their school, embrace small steps toward great achievements, and are willing to dare greatly to shape a changing world. Our Key Features A Seamless Educational Journey We are proud to offer a supportive environment where students can complete their entire educational journey. At every stage, we nurture their growth, ensuring smooth transitions and a deep understanding of each student’s unique needs, all within a close-knit, inclusive community that helps them flourish and prepares them for life beyond Barney. Fully co-educational Boarding and Day School We fully embrace co-education, ensuring equal opportunities for all students, regardless of gender. Our strong boarding community enriches the school, enhancing cultural literacy through our international students. The extended school day and week provide ample time to deliver a broad and varied educational experience. Resilient Characters & Brave Minds We have always offered an education that goes beyond exams, which is more crucial now than ever in a rapidly changing world shaped by globalism, AI, and evolving careers. Our students need strong character, adaptable soft skills, and a values-driven foundation to thrive in this uncertain future. With resilience and a supportive community, they are empowered to dare greatly and achieve beyond what they thought was possible. A Broad Entry Life is about engaging with people of diverse abilities and talents, celebrating personal growth rather than just top grades. As long as we can support individuals in accessing our education and they demonstrate the core character traits we value, we are committed to supporting them on their journey. Traditional yet Innovative Barney’s rich history and cherished traditions have shaped generations of strong, humble individuals. While we honour these beloved ‘Barneyisms,’ we remain focused on staying relevant and forward-thinking as we move further into the 21st century. Role Summary All pupils study Spanish and French from Years 7 to 9. Modern Languages are core subjects in our GCSE programme and all pupils are expected to take at least one to GCSE level. We offer both languages as A Level options in the Sixth Form and candidates follow the AQA GCSE and A Level specifications. Most Languages teaching takes place in a modern classroom block which is shared with the English Department. The Modern Foreign Languages department comprises four staff in addition to the Head of Department, including one House Parent as well as the current Deputy Head (Pastoral). Colleagues are encouraged to contribute to extra-curricular language activities where possible. There may be opportunity for single occupancy accommodation on site, in return for Boarding duties. Job Description Job Title: Teacher of French and Spanish (Maternity Cover 0.5 FTE) Reporting to: Head of Department Location: On School Site / Barnard Castle School Contract: Maternity Cover – 0.5 FTE Start date: As soon as possible Overall Expectation To teach effectively, encourage independent learning and install in pupils an appreciation of the importance of languages, the world and its people. This is a part time role (0.5 FTE). Overall Responsibilities • To teach according to the timetable, ensuring that teaching is inspirational and creative. The role would involve teaching both French and Spanish to any year groups from Year 7 upwards as well as Spanish up to GCSE level. • To be aware of the need to differentiate work and challenges according to the ability of the pupils, whilst maintaining high expectations of all and taking full account of any Special Educational Needs. • To work as part of a team, in harmony with and for the furtherance of the school’s ethos and declared educational aims and priorities. • To be supportive of the department’s aims, agreed teaching styles, methods of assessment and other policies. • To set written assignments or other creative pieces of work that involve a finished product (Prep) regularly and mark them promptly and in accordance with School and Departmental policies, ensuring that formative comments are always helpful and make helpful suggestions for further appropriate improvement in learning. • To provide parents with written reports on their students’ work and progress according to current school policy and to attend parents’ meetings. • To take a share of supervising duties, invigilation and cover for absent colleagues. • To be responsible for the supervision, control and proper use of teaching rooms, materials and resources, and to have regard to health and safety issues and regulations. • To attend weekly staff meetings and other meetings that may be called from time to time, as required by the Headmaster. • To report in a timely manner any concerns about students and their learning progress to the appropriate colleague. • To report in a timely manner any concerns regarding Child Protection or Bullying to the appropriate colleague. • To take responsibility for one’s continuing professional development and, to this end, to participate in Development and Review procedures as directed by the Headmaster. • To contribute to Barnard Castle School’s broad and active co-curricular activities programme. This job description reflects the present requirements of the post and is not intended to be exhaustive. Teachers may be required to carry out such other duties as the Headmaster may reasonably require from time to time. Duties and responsibilities, may be subject to change and development, the job description will be reviewed periodically and subject to amendment in consultation with the post holder. Role Criteria In order to meet the high standards expected of a teacher in our School, the Headmaster is seeking to employ a person with the following qualities, experience, skills and abilities. Essential Criteria • A good honours degree, with excellent linguistic competence in French & Spanish; • Evidence of either being or having the potential to be an excellent teacher; • The ability to teach both languages (French or Spanish) to GCSE; • The ability to inspire and motivate children; • Clear and effective communication skills; • An ability and willingness to make a contribution to the extra-curricular life of the School; • An ability to relate well to colleagues and children; • Approachability, accessibility and flexibility, with high levels of organisation; Desirable Criteria • A higher degree or experience of educational or subject-specific research ; • A record of and commitment to continuing professional development; • The possession of QTS; • Experience of working in a boarding school; • The ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with all members of the school community; • Sympathy with the Christian values of the School and the nature of working in a boarding environment. Recruitment Process Enquiries The Headmaster is offering an attractive and competitive salary to secure the best candidate. The School offers a pension package with Royal London Group Pension Scheme. Other benefits include fee remission for children in the School, use of our gym, sports facilities and swimming pool, free meals during term time, free parking and access to various social activities throughout the year. Applications If you feel that you can meet the above requirements, then please submit a letter of application along with the Barnard Castle School application form to the Headmaster. Only applications containing the requested information will be considered. Applications should be sent to: Mr D J Cresswell Barnard Castle School Barnard Castle County Durham DL12 8UN Information about Interviews: Telephone: 01833 696098 Email: hr@barneyschool.org.uk Deadline for applications: 2.00pm Monday 20th April 2026 Longlist Interviews (Online): Wednesday 22nd April 2026 Shortlist Interviews at School: Monday 27th April 2026 Applicants should read carefully the application procedure – guidance for applicants, Policy on the Recruitment of Ex-offenders and the Disclosure policy and the Safer Recruitment policy. Barnard Castle School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all applicants will undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS and Barred list check with Disclosure and Barring Service. Barnard Castle School is an equal opportunities employer.