Location
Lift Ryde, Isle of Wight (with links to London via Portsmouth Harbour train)

Hours
Full Time, Permanent

Salary
Main Pay Range / Upper Pay Range + TLR2b (£6,062) + well-being cash plan + pension scheme (TPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits + possible Relocation Allowance

About the Role
If you're a French specialist passionate about developing an outstanding department, we would love to hear from you. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead the Modern Foreign Languages (French) department at Lift Ryde from January 2026, with potential flexibility on the start date for an exceptional candidate. You will be responsible for a small but growing department, currently offering French as the sole language, with potential to expand to other languages subject to demand.

You will line manage two experienced French teachers and join a school with a three-year upward trend of excellent GCSE and A level results. The French exam board is AQA. Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 have one French lesson per week, while GCSE students have three lessons weekly. Your goal will be to raise the profile of MFL within the school, create excitement about languages through extracurricular activities including trips, and increase the number of students opting for French at GCSE.

Benefit from trust-wide links with outstanding curriculum leaders across the country who can inspire and support your strategy and approach. The senior leadership team at Lift Ryde prioritises staff wellbeing and work-life balance, offering flexibility such as a possible four-day full-time role for those interested in running after-school clubs. All staff have PPA time either first thing in the morning or last period to allow for flexible start or finish times.

The Isle of Wight is a beautiful, family-friendly location with affordable housing, excellent schools (staff at Lift Ryde are guaranteed places for their children), beaches, walks, and stunning natural surroundings. The senior leadership team is happy to advise on relocation and warmly welcomes visits from prospective candidates to explore the school and local area. The island is approximately two and a half hours from London Waterloo via direct train from Portsmouth Harbour.

About Lift Ryde
Lift Ryde is an 11 to 18 secondary school sponsored by Lift Schools, located on the Isle of Wight. The school is set in spacious grounds and features a state-of-the-art building opened in 2017. Staff have access to a free on-site gym with excellent equipment. The school has an excellent local reputation and is oversubscribed. Known as the "Garden Isle" for its beautiful landscape, unspoilt beaches, rugged coastline, and countryside, the Isle of Wight is an ideal place to raise a family. Lift Ryde was judged 'Good' by Ofsted in November 2022, with a calm and orderly environment that pupils and staff are proud of. Leaders are considerate of staff workload.

Who is Lift Schools?
Lift Schools is a diverse and inclusive network of 57 schools with a clear mission to provide excellent education to every child, every classroom, every day. We empower our team to do their best work, supported by outstanding leadership. We acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional efforts of everyone in making this an incredible organisation.

We offer you:
- Career development and training including statutory and developmental programs, the Instructional Excellence Program in partnership with One World, and CPD offerings such as Ambition Institute's Early Career and NPQ programs.
- Generous benefits including pension, healthcare, and financial support.
- Lifestyle perks such as discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and electric vehicle incentives.

The role commences January 2026. This is a full-time, permanent position.

Closing date
Monday 13 October 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. Candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before applying.

Lift Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Recruitment follows Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance including online checks for shortlisted candidates. Employment offers are subject to Enhanced DBS checks, references, and where applicable, prohibition from teaching checks.

Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time, and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

We are a Disability Confident Employer with a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Experience
Proven expertise in teaching French and leading a Modern Foreign Languages department is essential. Experience in middle leadership and managing a small team of teachers is required.

About you
You are passionate about languages and committed to raising the profile of MFL within the school. You are creative, motivated, and able to inspire both staff and students. You value staff wellbeing and work-life balance and are open to flexible working arrangements. You are enthusiastic about developing extracurricular activities and trips to enhance student engagement.

You are willing to relocate to the Isle of Wight or already reside locally and are keen to contribute positively to the school community.

Qualifications
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is required. A strong background in French language education and leadership qualifications or training are desirable.