We are seeking to appoint inspirational and highly professional to the position of Teacher of French to contribute to a popular department at Eltham College.

Description

Job Title: Teacher of French

Hours of Work: Full time

Reports to: Head of MFL

Start Date: September 2026

The Headmaster and CEO of the Eltham College Family of Schools seeks to appoint an inspirational and highly professional Teacher of French to contribute to the development of the highly successful and dynamic Modern Languages department at Eltham College.

The successful candidate will be a graduate of French and should be able to demonstrate strong subject knowledge, high academic standards, and an ability to enthuse pupils of all ages. An ability to teach a second language would be advantageous but not essential.

French is one of four Modern Languages offered, from which students in the Lower School study three of their choice. French is an option at GCSE and A Level.

All members of staff are also expected to contribute to the pastoral care of students, usually as a tutor, and contribute in a meaningful way to the co-curricular programme and are also expected to carry out any tasks that may reasonably be required by the Headmaster according to the normal practice of an independent school.

The French Department

The French Department is a popular, thriving department with healthy uptake at all levels. At GCSE and A Level, the department attracts high-calibre linguists with a strong work ethic and enthusiasm for the French-speaking world. A good number of students go on to read French at highly selective universities, including Oxford University, and are therefore keen to extend their knowledge beyond the scope of exam board specifications.

In Years 10 to 11 we follow the Pearson IGCSE course and in the Sixth Form we teach the AQA A Level course. GCSE and A-level students also have additional speaking lessons with our French Assistant. In Years 7 to 9, we offer a stimulating and varied curriculum based on, but not limited by, the Dynamo series of textbooks. We encourage our students at all levels to fulfil their potential by aiming to deliver a curriculum that blends academic rigour with an exploration of the Francophone world.

The department has a long-standing reputation of achieving excellent examination results at A Level, and a three-year average of 100% A*-B. At GCSE level, we have a three-year average of 87% of pupils gaining grades 7-9.

The department also provides a vibrant co-curricular programme, from trips to the theatre and cinema in London as well as trips to France. We also contribute to the thriving Modern and Classical Languages Society for which our sixth-form students deliver independently researched presentations, and we invite guest speakers.

As part of the wider Modern Languages department, we work closely with colleagues across the faculty to promote languages throughout the School. We are well resourced and occupy the fully equipped Turberville building that opened in 2019. The department is a forward-thinking and innovative, the successful candidate will, therefore, have the opportunity to develop ideas and resources in a supportive and friendly environment.

Eltham College is a highly successful independent day school in south-east London, educating boys and girls aged 7 to 18 across both Junior and Senior Schools. The College has grown considerably over recent years: there are now over 800 students in the Senior School and around 260 pupils in the Junior School and places are heavily oversubscribed. Since 2020, girls have been able to join Years 3 and 7, mirroring the Sixth Form which has been coeducational for over 45 years. The school places an equal emphasis on academic, pastoral and co-curricular excellence and has an outstanding reputation in all three areas as well as for the friendly, unpretentious nature of daily life.

A highly competitive salary is available, together with a clear programme of staff development and opportunities for promotion. In addition to the base salary, the post comes with a Responsibility Allowance. Accommodation may also be available

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Application closing date: 8am on Friday 13 March 2026

Interviews to take place on Wednesday 18 March 2026

Suitable candidates may be interviewed before the closing date and Eltham College reserves the right to withdraw the position if an early appointment is made.

We welcome applications from all parts of our community as we aspire to attract staff that match the social and cultural diversity of our student intake. Candidates will be assessed against relevant criteria only (i.e. skills, qualifications, abilities, experience).

Eltham College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants undergo enhanced child protection screening relevant to the post, including checks with past employers and the DBS.