French Language Assistant at University College School

About this Role

University College School was founded in 1830 to promote principles of liberal scholarship. That remains our first and overriding aim. Intellectual curiosity, breadth of study and independence of mind combine to achieve academic excellence; they are not subordinate to it. UCS remains true to the liberal traditions of its founders and continues to work hard to foster independence of mind among its pupils, to value their individuality and to create a diverse and inclusive community. Academic results are excellent. Music and drama are very strong at UCS and the school offers an outstanding range of co-curricular activities and enrichment opportunities.

The Present Vacancy

Language Assistants' Responsibilities

All language assistants deliver up to 31 timetable periods per week. Their responsibilities are as follows. Each language assistant is line-managed by the relevant head of language.

• To provide weekly individual or small group conversation lessons for A-level pupils in order to prepare them well for the oral component of the AQA A Level specification

• To provide weekly small group conversation lessons for GCSE pupils in order to prepare them for the GCSE speaking examination

• To conduct internal speaking assessments with pupils at both GCSE and A Level

• To conduct external speaking exams with A-level pupils

• To work with Oxbridge French applicants to develop their skills in literary and cinematographic analysis, as well as their awareness of French current affairs and linguistic and oral skills

• To monitor attendance at conversation lessons and to liaise with class teachers accordingly

• To keep accurate and regular notes of the progress of pupils and to liaise with class teachers in this regard

• To run co-curricular clubs and activities, as guided by the Head of French

• To take part in school trips, depending on department needs

• To develop resources for teachers in the department, as guided by the Head of French

The French Department

The French Department at University College School consists of twelve teachers, a number of whom also teach another language. The department is committed not only to developing a high level of linguistic competence in our pupils, but also to bringing French and Francophone culture to life through engaging lessons, cultural visits and trips to countries where the language is spoken. Teachers are encouraged to use authentic material, films and internet resources, and to assist with the running of co-curricular clubs. An engagement with and knowledge of current affairs in French and Francophone countries is a key part of the syllabus at A level. There is an established Oxbridge preparation programme in place, designed to allow pupils to achieve a high level of linguistic confidence and an in-depth knowledge of Francophone literature.

The Modern Languages Department

The Modern Languages Department comprises 19 staff members and is led by the Head of Modern Languages, who also takes specific responsibility for German. She is assisted in the department's leadership and management by the Head of Spanish, the Head of French, the Head of Italian, and the Head of Mandarin. The department is a dynamic and enjoyable place to work, and there is a dedicated office alongside ten classrooms and two rooms for conversation lessons.

The department offers French, German, Italian, Mandarin, and Spanish up to A-level, as well as Oxbridge and university entrance.

• Years 7&8: Pupils study Spanish. Taster lessons and lunchtime clubs are offered in German, Italian, Mandarin, and French.
• Year 9: Pupils choose three subjects from the Languages and Classics block (French, German, Italian, Mandarin, Spanish, Latin, and Greek), one of which must be a modern language.
• Years 10&11 (GCSE): Pupils may pursue up to three modern languages. We follow the AQA specifications for French, German, Italian, and Spanish, and the Edexcel specification for Mandarin.
• Years 12 & 13 (A-level): Pupils follow AQA courses in French, German, and Spanish, and Edexcel courses in Italian and Mandarin.

The department maintains an excellent track record in preparing pupils for higher education and, throughout the school, strives to offer as much variety and intellectual stimulation as possible whilst tailoring teaching to individual pupils' needs. The department organises annual trips abroad to support and enrich pupils' language learning, as well as cinema, museum, and theatre outings. Pupils are also actively encouraged to partake in many language events and competitions, such as debating competitions, the UK Linguistics Olympiad, or the Anthea Bell translation competition.

Salary and Benefits

UCS has its own competitive salary scale. The payment for this post will be dependent upon qualifications and experience, but will be above the national scale.

While the school does not offer accommodation, schemes are in place to assist members of staff with loans for house purchase. The school is similarly prepared to offer loans to help with daily travel expenses. In all cases, eligibility for financial assistance is carefully and independently scrutinised and every effort is made to assess the needs of individual applicants.

If admitted to the school, the children of UCS staff may be educated at reduced fees.

All members of staff are entitled to membership of UCS Active (the private Health & Fitness Club based in the Sir Roger Bannister Sports Centre) at a heavily reduced rate.

Arrangements for the Appointment

Please submit your application via the UCS page on My New Term. The closing date for applications is 12pm on Wednesday 13th May 2026 However, please note that we reserve the right to interview and appoint at any stage during this process; early applications are therefore very welcome.

University College School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check before commencing employment. This is a requirement as the position is within a school working with children aged under 18. UCS will also undertake its own recruitment checks through contact with previous employers, and others, to confirm applicants' identities and their professional records.