French language assistant

The Vacancy

• Contract: Fixed term, part-time, term-time only

• Hours/shift patterns: 14 hours per week

• Salary: £1,269.45 per month

The role

The Grammar School at Leeds is seeking an enthusiastic and inspiring Modern Foreign Languages Assistant to join our vibrant Languages Faculty on a fixed-term basis. This role is initially available until 16 October 2026, with a possible extension until 18 December 2026. This is an exciting opportunity for a fluent French speaker, or someone with degree-level French, to play a key role in supporting students' language learning and helping them develop confidence in their spoken communication. Working closely with teachers across the department, you will bring the French language and the cultures of Francophone countries to life, helping to foster a genuine enthusiasm for language learning among students of all ages and abilities.

The successful candidate will work with individuals, small groups and whole classes to develop students' pronunciation, speaking, listening and comprehension skills. You will contribute to engaging lessons through authentic materials, cultural activities, discussions, role plays and exam preparation, while also supporting wider enrichment opportunities such as language clubs and cultural events. This varied role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on students' learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom.

We are looking for a friendly, approachable and motivated individual with excellent communication skills, a passion for languages and an interest in Francophone cultures. Previous experience in an educational setting would be advantageous but is not essential. Most importantly, you will be a collaborative team player who enjoys working with young people, is committed to safeguarding and inclusion, and is eager to contribute to the life of our thriving independent school community.

Why GSAL?

GSAL is a warm, friendly and values-led community where colleagues feel supported and trusted in their roles.

We take safety and safeguarding seriously, but we also believe in creating a welcoming environment where pupils, colleagues and visitors feel cared for and respected.

We're proud to be:

• One of the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026 (Big organisations category)

• North Independent School of the Year 2024

• Independent School of the Decade 2021

And most of all, we're proud of the colleagues who make our school a safe, welcoming and purposeful environment every day.

Benefits

We value our colleagues and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Enhanced school holidays (approximately 16 weeks)
• Small class sizes with Y7 average being 24 and is even smaller as pupils move through the school
• Subsidised childcare during INSET days (ages 3-11)

• Defined Contribution pension scheme through Aviva (3% employee contribution, 6% employer contribution, with the option for colleagues to increase their contributions)

• Training and CPD, including 5+ INSET days

• Three-course colleague lunches for £2.40, plus free tea, coffee and hot chocolate

• 24/7 online GP access for you and your family via Health Hero

• Employee Assistance Programme through Perkbox, including counselling, legal and financial advice

• Discounts through Perkbox, teacher discounts and Extras

• Scenic lunchtime walking routes across the 140-acre site

• Onsite gym and swimming pool, plus fitness classes (Pilates, meditation, kettlebells, spinning and bootcamps)

• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme

• Free onsite parking

• Access to the school's extensive library facilities

• Generous leave of absence scheme

• Opportunities to be involved in extracurricular activities, wellbeing initiatives and community events

How to apply

If this role sounds like a good fit for you, we'd love to receive your application.

Please complete the online GSAL application form on our website. For any enquiries, contact [email protected]. Further information and the full job description and person specification can be found in the attached recruitment brochure.

Closing date: 08:00 Wednesday 1 July

Interview date: To be confirmed

The Company