Teaching careers in HMC independent schools
We are currently seeking to fill the position of French Language Assistant.
Required: September 2026
Location: Dean's Yard - Great School
Contract: part-time (term-time only), permanent
Hours of work: 0.4 FTE of the timetable, details of which will be discussed at interview
Salary: £17,072.09 per annum based on 0.4 FTE of the timetable. The role is term-time only.
About the role
The successful candidate will be a passionate linguist and ambassador for the French language. Students hugely appreciate the time they spend with our Language Assistants, and they recognise the unique contribution that these colleagues make. We expect all Language Assistants to be fluent and highly literate speakers of their language. The French Assistant will teach KS4 pupils in small groups, and KS5 pupils 1:1, in pairs or in small groups.
The successful candidate will focus on students’ oral proficiency and work nearly exclusively in the target language. They will be patient and encouraging of our students, and seek to enamour our learners with French language and francophone culture. In the Lower School (years 9 to 11), the emphasis is on developing confidence and fluency, whereas in the Upper School (years 12 and 13) we aim for our students to become more convincing, independent and creative users of the language. In both cases, the successful candidate will work together with the class teacher to ensure that oral lessons complement the overall curriculum and teaching approach.
The successful candidate will also show a willingness to be involved in the wider life of the department, such as supporting the running of Societies and events. The Language Assistant is not, however, required to write reports or attend Parents Evenings.
Line Manager
The French assistant reports to the Head of French and on some occasions the Head of Modern Languages. All teaching staff are responsible to the Deputy Head (Academic) on academic matters, to the Under Master on matters of discipline, pastoral, welfare and safeguarding, and ultimately to the Head Master.
Teaching and Learning
* Help ensure the quality of teaching and learning is consistently excellent across the School, through stimulating and challenging oral lessons in French
* Apply, where appropriate, suitable technological tools and apps to enhance learning and teaching
* Plan, prepare, teach and evaluate oral sessions in line with the Schemes of Work. For French specifically this will include:
o small‑group lessons of 20 minutes each during lesson time for Year 11, 12 and 13
o occasionally, 1‑to‑1 or 1‑to‑2 lessons of 20 minutes each during lunchtime, pupils’ free periods or before/after school for pupils in Years 12 and 13, in addition to the above
* Provide a safe, secure and stimulating environment in which consideration is given to the individual development of all pupils
* Identify, create and make use of culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate stimulus and revision materials
* Adapt sessions in a manner that challenges and interests the pupils and is appropriate to their needs and proficiency levels
* Apply any recommendations and guidance for pupils with specific learning or welfare needs or disabilities, as directed by the Head of Learning Development, or on the pupil’s personalised learning plan
* Give supportive advice and guidance to pupils on how to develop their oral proficiency by identifying areas of pronunciation, grammar, idiom or vocabulary which they can improve
* Encourage students to take responsibility for their progress by maintaining high expectations of punctuality, attendance and learning behaviours
* Preparation of thematic materials for A‑level candidates to aid revision
* Support with co‑curricular activities and competitions
Pastoral Care and Pupil Management
* Put pupils at the centre of all teaching and learning, taking a pastoral interest in pupils around the School, so that they feel valued and cared for
* Foster pupils’ safe esteem in their oral lessons
* Motivate pupils through praise, while being firm but fair in expectations
* Actively maintain the high standards of behaviour and uniform of pupils in the classroom and in all school locations and activities
* Communicate and consult with other departments or members of staff to implement recommendations, policies or guidance
All teaching colleagues are expected to:
* Promote and support the School’s Aims and Vision and School Development Plan
* Adhere to and support the School’s policies and procedures
* Accept responsibility for the welfare and care of all pupils, at all times
* Attend relevant training and INSET days
* Take an active interest in maintaining subject knowledge
Equal Opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer. We therefore encourage candidates to apply irrespective of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion and belief, gender identity, sex or sexual orientation.
Safeguarding and Child Protection
Westminster School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
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