Lead Teacher of French

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE POST: To be an integral member of the wider academic team, as both a teacher and academic tutor, delivering inspirational learning that motivates young people to achieve their very best. To lead the French department, (KS3 & KS4), and promote the subject within the school to encourage, as far as possible, uptake at KS4.

SUMMARY OF THE ROLE: This role is responsible for the successful running of the department (KS3 and KS4) with, currently, line-management responsibility of one other member of teaching staff. The post holder will deliver up-to-date and relevant lessons using a range of teaching methods, fully utilising digital technology. All students have iPads and MS Teams is the digital learning platform that the School uses. The post holder is required to play a full and active role in the broader life of the School, pastorally and artistically and events such as weekend activities. All new academic staff, who are non-residential, are required to commit to one evening duty every two school weeks in one of the boarding houses by arrangement with the Assistant Principal (Pastoral & Welfare).

CONTRACT TERMS: Start Date: 1 September 2026 Hours: 0.4 FTE (approx.). This is a part-time post based on a normal working week of Monday - Friday during term time. The School will try to accommodate all teaching into 2.5 or 3 days each week, but cannot guarantee this in any particular year. There are no academic lessons on Saturdays, however all staff are expected to undertake weekend activities in line with the details below and applicants should be aware that there are a number of parent’s meetings and other formal school events at the weekend. Salary: The School has its own pay scale and the starting salary point will take into consideration knowledge, skills and experience. There will be an additional monetary allowance in recognition of the lead teacher role. Location: White Lodge, Richmond Park Application Closing Date: 8 May 2026. Applications will be screened on submission. The School reserves the right to interview and appoint if a suitable candidate is found before the closing date.

MAIN DUTIES:

ROLE PURPOSE To be responsible for the successful running of the department To teach Key Stage 3 and 4 in line with the prevailing curriculum offer To contribute to the highest academic standards at The Royal Ballet School Support the aims and ethos of the School.

Lead teachers are expected to fulfil the requirements of a teacher and Academic Tutor at The Royal Ballet School. In addition, they are responsible for the overall leadership of their department as follows:

CURRICULUM Producing an annual Departmental (Curriculum) Review and Handbook in line with the School’s objectives Selecting appropriate specifications (where relevant) and devising, producing and updating Scheme’s of Work for these Promoting and monitoring student progress Ensuring appropriate preparation for public (external) and/or internal examinations Providing up-to-date information on the subject for the School’s website, and for the current and prospective parents Ensuring that subject provision is in line with current best practice and developments in the subject.

MANAGEMENT (of self and others within the team) Ensuring high teaching and learning standards are maintained Ensuring the quality of departmental reporting and assessment is in line with School policy Undertake the relevant CPD and peer observation internally and externally Communicating with parents as needed; including the handling of departmental/curriculum concerns Lead the staff development review with team members as required.

ADMINISTRATION Managing the curriculum/departmental budget Ensuring appropriate resources to support delivery of the subject Ensuring that classroom noticeboards have relevant and current displays Ensuring all examination records and entries are accurate and timely Maintaining good general administrative ‘housekeeping’ .

TEACHING Academic Teachers are encouraged to take a full and active part in the life of the School departmentally, pastorally and artistically. This would include attendance at all significant school events, functions, performances, parents’ meetings, Inset (approximately 7 days) and so on.

The expectations below are all assumed to be in line with relevant School and departmental policies.

Planning and preparing lessons with due regard for the need for differentiation Setting and marking work and recording marks as required Promoting, monitoring and encouraging student progress Maintaining good order and discipline in line with the School’s Behaviour Policy Producing accurate, timely reports as required Preparing students for public (external) and internal examinations Attending staff, academic and progress meetings and assemblies Contributing to departmental activities such as displays, trips, curriculum resources, Scheme’s of Work and so on.

TUTORING All teaching staff are expected to act as an Academic Tutor which includes:

Acting as the prime point of contact for all academic matters Monitoring and supporting academic attainment and effort Meeting regularly with tutees to set and review targets on a half-termly basis Reporting on academic progress at Progress and other relevant meetings Liaising with house and artistic staff over academic progress as needed Writing reports as required by the Reporting & Assessment Policy Proof-reading reports for all tutees’ reports Proactively communicating with parents on academic matters Delivering PSHE as per timetable during tutor sessions and assemblies

GENERAL Contribute to School House events Undertake student supervision as needed, including on school trips Provide cover as needed Registering students Communicating with parents as needed To undertake prep-boarding duties approximately once every two weeks To contribute to the weekend activities programme approximately twice per term.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Essential Criteria: Well-qualified French Teacher A recognised teaching qualification Good degree in French (or applicable subject) Strong communication skills and able to develop effective relationships with young people, their parents and colleagues Capable of maintaining correct professional etiquette and courtesy with students, parents and colleagues The flexibility and proactivity of approach needed to contribute effectively to the running of a small school Excellent IT skills with experience in using Microsoft Office programs and interactive teaching applications The commitment to teaching in an all-ability environment where differentiation is key The desire to motivate excellent achievement for students requiring SEND/EAL support The passion and dedication to set the highest standards for all the young people you teach Empathy with the aims and ethos of the School Own transport (White Lodge is not on the public transport network).

Desirable Criteria: A desire to be involved in boarding Experience of teaching with SMART boards and other digital technologies.

SAFEGUARDING DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and recognises that safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. The School expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment to children’s safeguarding and to share this child-centred approach. This approach means that staff must consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child. Additionally, the following is expected of all staff:

To uphold the School’s policies relating to safeguarding and child protection, behaviour, health and safety and all other relevant policies To promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young persons for whom you are responsible and come into contact with To report any safeguarding concerns using the relevant channels, such as informing the Designated Safeguarding Lead, in a timely and appropriate manner To ensure full compliance with all statutory regulations, particularly the most recent Keeping Children Safe in Education, and to communicate concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, other relevant staff of The Royal Ballet School or local children’s services as appropriate.

This job information cannot be all encompassing. It is inevitable over time that the emphasis of the job will change without changing the general character of the job or the level of duties and responsibilities entailed. Consequently, this information will be periodically reviewed, revised and updated in consultation with the post holder to reflect appropriate changes.

We are committed to creating an environment where all our employees feel part of our team and can flourish, regardless of their background. We’re proud to be an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity.