We are seeking to appoint a suitably qualified and enthusiastic Teacher of Spanish and French to join our successful Modern Languages Department for a 12-month Maternity Cover from August 2025. The successful candidate will be expected to teach Spanish and French to National 5 level and at least one to Higher level.The Modern Languages Department comprises a total of twelve full time and part time members of staff, augmented by our team of five Foreign Language Assistants, and is based in a dedicated suite of classrooms within the Old Building. Pupils are introduced to Modern Languages via a Cultural Awareness Course in Primary 4, with the more formal study of the subject beginning in Primary 6. All pupils study at least one language through to S4, at which point they are presented for National 5, with many opting to continue into S5/6 and/or start studying a second Modern Language in S3 via one of our fast-tracking intensive beginners’ courses.With French, German, Italian, Mandarin and Spanish all delivered to Advanced Higher, both the depth and breadth of Modern Languages provision at George Heriot’s School are key strengths. Furthermore, the Modern Languages experience is greatly enhanced by our extensive exchange programme with our partner schools in France, Germany, Spain and China. We seek to inspire our pupils to realise their full potential in subjects which will equip them with the tools required to communicate and interact successfully in an ever changing world.The department consistently achieves excellent results, thanks in no small measure to the enormous commitment of its teachers.In addition to curricular responsibilities, the successful candidate will be expected to participate fully in the extra-curricular life of the School.Package DescriptionWhen you join the team at Heriot’s, you become part of our community, where the contribution of every individual is important and valued. The Heriot’s motto, to “distribute chearfullie”, is at the heart of school - distributing of kindness, of support and of generosity remains as live today as it was in 1628 when George Heriot founded the school.Our most recent staff survey reported that 97% of employees at Heriot’s feel motivated and happy to work here and we aim to provide a friendly, welcoming, and supportive environment for all of our people. This aim is reflected in the package we offer which, for our teaching staff, in addition to salary (which includes a Heriot’s enhancement), teacher holidays and pension, includes:Enhanced sick pay, maternity and paternity payFamily friendly policies (Including Personal Emergency Leave Days)Continued professional development opportunitiesTravel to work schemesSchool Fee Remission (non-contractual benefit)Employee Assistance programme, including 24/7 counselling helpline and high street, supermarket, and general retail discountsOpportunities for involvement in the wider school communityWe aim to attract and retain a diverse group of talented people, who are committed to upholding the school’s ethos. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all sections of the community.Main ResponsibilitiesPlease see jo description for full duties. The Ideal CandidateThe successful candidate will be expected to teach Spanish and French to National 5 level and at least one to Higher level.Additional InformationHeriot’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment.This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 and the successful candidates will be required to obtain membership of the PVG scheme.Please note that parking is not available on our campusGeorge Heriot’s Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.George Heriot’s School is governed by George Heriot’s Trust, Scottish Charity number SC011463About the school/organisationGeorge Heriot’s SchoolGeorge Heriot’s School is Edinburgh’s leading independent school. Academically proven and recognised as sector-leading by Education Scotland in June 2024, the school’s best practice expertise in wellbeing, equality and inclusion, and in raising attainment and achievement, is acknowledged. The school has 1,670 pupils aged from 4-18, with a distinct family feel shaped by its 400-year motto: I distribute chearfullie. Working hard, being kind, and being yourself are the values which bind staff and pupils into a cohesive whole. Put simply, Heriot’s cares about its staff and pupils.As Edinburgh’s oldest school, Heriot’s was founded through the generosity of George Heriot, jeweller and goldsmith to the court of King James VI/I and his wife Queen Anne. Goldsmiths at that time were the principal money lenders and Heriot was able to amass a small fortune which he left to found a school for the ‘poor bairns of Edinburgh’. Since it opened, the Foundation at Heriot’s has developed an unrivalled understanding of providing bereavement support and over the years has educated in excess of 5,700 Foundation pupils, each of whom received a fully funded education in keeping with the Founder’s wishes.Separately, the school has continued to apply the transformative powers of education, opening 21 Out Schools in the 1800s which educated over 100,000 boys and girls in Edinburgh before the advent of the Children’s Act, and more recently supporting Serbian, Syrian and Ukrainian refugees to build a better life in Scotland. Each year the school spends approximately £1.3 million to support the education of bursary and Foundation pupils.Today the school is an award-winning beacon: the only school in Scotland to receive the Gold Award from SAPERE for its teaching of philosophy in Junior School; awarded a third consecutive gold award for being a UNICEF Rights Respecting School and being voted the Sunday Times School of the Decade by readers in their Parent Power survey.
