Head of Modern Foreign Languages - Atlantic Academy Portland

Head of Modern Foreign Languages

 Atlantic Academy – Portland, Dorset
Permanent | Full Time | Start September or October 2026
Salary: MPS + TLR

Closing Date: Thursday 4th June 2026 9am
Interviews: Week commencing 8th June 2026

Lead. Inspire. Open the World.

We are seeking an ambitious and passionate Head of Modern Foreign Languages to lead and shape our vibrant MFL department at Atlantic Academy, with a particular focus on Spanish and French.

This is an exciting opportunity for an exceptional MFL teacher ready to take the next step in their career, or an experienced middle leader seeking a fresh challenge in a school where languages are valued, celebrated and truly transformational.

Situated on the stunning Jurassic Coast, our all-through academy offers a unique setting — but it is our culture of high expectations, disruption-free learning and strong staff support that truly sets us apart.

The Opportunity

As Head of MFL, you will:

• Lead and develop an ambitious, engaging and knowledge-rich MFL curriculum across KS3 and KS4

• Champion a love of languages and global culture through the teaching of Spanish and French

• Inspire students to become confident communicators and curious global citizens

• Drive excellence in teaching, learning and student outcomes

• Support, coach and develop colleagues within the MFL team

• Promote cultural enrichment, international awareness and real-world language learning opportunities

• Foster confidence, resilience and enthusiasm in every learner

Our vision for MFL is rooted in communication, cultural understanding and aspiration. We want every student to leave Atlantic Academy with the confidence to connect with the wider world and an appreciation of the opportunities that language learning can unlock.

What You’ll Bring

• An excellent classroom practitioner with a passion for Spanish and/or French

• Leadership ambition, creativity and a clear vision for outstanding MFL provision

• High expectations and a commitment to inclusive excellence

• Energy, optimism and a solutions-focused mindset

• A belief that every child deserves access to a rich, ambitious education

• A collaborative approach and a commitment to continuous improvement

• A desire to make a meaningful difference to students’ futures and aspirations

Ready to join the journey?

If you’re passionate about inspiring young people and want to teach in a school where creativity thrives, ambition is celebrated, and your contribution truly makes a difference every single day, we would love to hear from you. 

For further information, please contact:
Mrs Kate Biddle - Vice Principal
[email protected]
01305 820262

Safeguarding & Equality

We value the diversity of our workforce and welcome applications from all sectors of the community.

The Aspirations Academies Trust (AAT) requires all prospective employees appointed to work in its academies and/or whose role will involve the undertaking of regulated activity to submit an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate prior to taking up appointment.  Applicants are required, before appointment, to disclose any convictions, cautions, reprimands or final warnings that are not ‘protected’ as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 by SI 2013 1198).  Disclosure of a criminal background does not automatically debar individuals from employment - consideration will be given to relevant factors, including the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred.

If you have not heard by Friday 12th June 2026, unfortunately you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Why Atlantic Academy?

At Atlantic Academy, we believe languages open doors. We are building a culture where ambition thrives, staff are supported and students are inspired to achieve beyond expectations. This is an opportunity to shape the future of MFL within a forward-thinking academy community in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. 

Why join us?

At Atlantic Academy you will benefit from:

• Disruption-free classrooms with high SLT visibility throughout the day
  
  

• A well-resourced MFL team
  
  

• Visualiser and mini iPad in every classroom
  
  

• Research-led CPD delivered fortnightly
  
  

• Strong focus on staff wellbeing and professional growth
  
  

• Free on-site fitness suite
  
  

• On-site parking
  
  

• Genuine career progression within the Trust

About us

Atlantic Academy Portland is an all-through academy that has transformed opportunities for young people across the island over the past five years.

We are proud members of the Aspirations Academies Trust, working collaboratively across the South Coast and South West region.