Head of Modern Foreign Languages

Blackheath High School is seeking an inspiring and ambitious Head of Modern Foreign Languages to lead a successful and well-resourced faculty. This is an opportunity to shape the future of languages within a school where academic curiosity, intellectual ambition and opportunities beyond the classroom are central to the education we provide.

As Head of MFL, you will be responsible for the professional and strategic leadership of the faculty, ensuring excellent teaching and learning while developing the curriculum and supporting colleagues to achieve the highest standards. Modern Languages are taught through to A Level, supported by a rich programme of cultural activities, competitions, trips, exchanges and opportunities for pupils to use their languages beyond the classroom.

This is a significant leadership role with scope to influence both the direction of the faculty and the wider life of the school. Alongside leading teaching and learning, you will develop colleagues, monitor pupil progress, oversee faculty resources and champion Modern Languages across the school community. You will also play an important role in expanding the co-curricular life of the department, including overseas trips and exchanges.

About you

You will be an accomplished Modern Languages teacher with excellent subject knowledge and a strong track record of teaching French at GCSE and A Level. The ability to teach French is essential, with Spanish desirable. You will already have successful leadership experience as a subject leader, Second in Department or Head of Department, together with the ability to inspire pupils and colleagues, develop people and bring clarity and ambition to the future direction of the faculty.

Above all, you will share our belief in the importance of languages as part of a broad, outward-looking education and be excited by the opportunity to encourage more young people to develop confidence, curiosity and an understanding of the wider world.

About the School

Founded in 1880 by the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), the UK’s leading network of independent girls’ schools, Blackheath High School is a selective school for girls aged 3–18. We are fortunate to be located on the edge of the stunning Heath and within easy reach of historic Greenwich and Canary Wharf. Following an £18 million investment, our Senior School has been redeveloped to provide state-of-the-art facilities to ensure that our school environment matches the excellent standard of education we provide.

There are many good reasons to work with us. Blackheath High School has a real sense of community, and you’ll be part of it. You’ll be part, too, of the wider GDST family and you’ll be in the company of some of the best and brightest people in independent education. We also offer a variety of benefits, such as:

• Competitive salaries and pay progression

• Access to extensive professional development opportunities

• Training grants for qualifications

• Generous pension schemes

• Free life assurance benefit

• A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools

• Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans

• A Cycle to Work scheme

• Competitive terms and conditions of employment

For further details and an application form please click the apply button.

Applications must be received by: 12 October 2026 at 12 noon.

Interviews will take place on: week commencing 12 October 2026.

Blackheath High School and the GDST are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.