Smile Education are currently recruiting a qualified Programme Leader for Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) to work within a secondary school in Manchester. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced and committed MFL specialist to join a supportive, values-led school with high expectations for teaching, learning, curriculum quality, and student outcomes.
The role is suitable for a strong MFL practitioner who is confident leading within a department, delivering high-quality language teaching, and supporting wider curriculum development. The position is expected to run on a long-term basis, with flexibility around the start date depending on the needs of the school.
The school is looking for someone who can uphold excellent standards of pedagogy, contribute to strategic planning and quality assurance, and help ensure students leave with strong outcomes in MFL and the confidence to succeed in their future learning.
Role Overview
As Programme Leader for MFL, you will be responsible for delivering high-quality Modern Foreign Languages lessons across KS3 and KS4, with potential KS5 depending on the placement. You will support students in developing strong language skills, cultural understanding, confidence, and progress.
Alongside classroom teaching, you will contribute to the wider leadership and development of the MFL department. This may include supporting curriculum planning, quality assurance, staff development, departmental priorities, and the continued improvement of teaching and learning.
You will be expected to quickly integrate into the school, build positive relationships with pupils and staff, and uphold the ethos and values of the school community. The successful candidate will bring strong subject knowledge, confident leadership, and a proactive approach to raising standards across MFL.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and deliver engaging MFL lessons in line with the national curriculum.
Teach Modern Foreign Languages across KS3 and KS4, with KS5 experience advantageous.
Lead and support high standards of pedagogy, classroom practice, and student progress.
Contribute to strategic planning and quality assurance within the MFL department.
Support curriculum development, assessment, and departmental improvement.
Help ensure students achieve strong outcomes in MFL and are well prepared for future learning.
Respond proactively to emerging departmental needs and priorities.
Support staff development and share effective practice where required.
Create a positive, inclusive learning environment for all pupils.
Differentiate lessons to meet the needs of students of varying abilities, including SEND.
Effectively manage classroom behaviour in line with school policies.
Assess and monitor student progress where required.
Contribute positively to the wider school community and departmental team.
Uphold professional standards, safeguarding expectations, and school ethos.
Requirements
The successful candidate will:
Hold QTS or an equivalent recognised teaching qualification.
Have experience teaching MFL in a UK secondary school.
Demonstrate strong subject knowledge in Modern Foreign Languages.
Have experience leading, coordinating, or contributing to departmental
Be confident delivering high-quality lessons across KS3 and KS4.
Have the ability to support strong student progress and outcomes.
Demonstrate strong pedagogy, classroom practice, and behaviour management.
Be able to contribute to curriculum planning, assessment, quality assurance, and wider departmental improvement.
Show a proactive approach to emerging departmental needs and priorities.
Be professional, reliable, reflective, and adaptable.
Be able to quickly settle into a new school environment.
Hold an Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or be willing to obtain one.
Have the right to work in the UK.
Pay & Benefits
£37,050–£54,600 per year, dependent on experience, pay scale, and role responsibilities.
Long-term placement.
Opportunity to work within a supportive and values-driven secondary school.
Leadership responsibility within Modern Foreign Languages.
Dedicated support from experienced education consultants.
Ongoing guidance throughout the placement.
Opportunity to build strong relationships with local Manchester schools, with potential for future roles.
Safeguarding & Compliance
Smile Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be required to complete full compliance checks, including Enhanced DBS, Barred List and Prohibited List checks, right to work verification, qualification checks, and reference checks.
All staff are expected to share this commitment and uphold the highest professional standards.
Apply Now
If you are a passionate and qualified MFL specialist looking for a long-term Programme Leader role in Manchester, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today with Smile Education or send your CV to (url removed).
We are committed to safeguarding children. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications