Teacher of Spanish (maternity cover)

Start Date: 4th May or 1 June 2026

Tenure: Maternity, part -time (3 days per week)

Salary: Competitive – based on the Surbiton High School Pay Scale

Surbiton High School is seeking an inspiring and dedicated Teacher of Spanish to join our vibrant Modern Foreign Languages Department on a full‑time maternity cover basis. This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate linguist to empower pupils, ignite a love of languages and contribute to an outstanding academic and co‑curricular programme.

About the Department

The Modern Foreign Languages Department is a dynamic team of 16 dedicated linguists, which is led by the Head of MFL and supported by individual Heads of Language. The Spanish Department comprises five teachers and a Foreign Language Assistant who delivers conversation sessions for KS4 and KS5 students. In Year 7, all pupils study French, German, Spanish and Latin before continuing with two languages in Years 8 and 9. All pupils are required to take at least one language at GCSE and many opt to take two. All languages follow the Pearson Edexcel specification for IGCSE and the Pearson Edexcel for A-level. Results are consistently excellent across all three languages. In August 2025, 81% of Spanish IGCSE students achieved grades 9–7 while 75% of A-level students earned A*–A grades. Language immersion beyond the classroom is a key part of the curriculum. The Spanish Department organises cultural and linguistic trips to destinations such as Salamanca, Sevilla and Barcelona. Pupils also participate in inter-school competitions, such as Love Languages and The Global Challenge. In addition to this, the MFL department hosts larger events, such as MFL days and evenings, to foster a love of languages and engage with the local community.

What You’ll Be Doing

As our Teacher of Spanish, you will:

Deliver motivating, high‑quality lessons that inspire pupils at KS3, GCSE and A-level.

Foster a classroom environment where pupils feel valued, confident and eager to learn.

Support all learners through excellent subject knowledge, creative planning and inclusive practice.

Monitor progress, provide effective feedback and contribute to pupils achieving their full potential.

Lead or support weekly grammar clinics for KS3 or KS4.

Participate in trips, enrichment activities and the wider co‑curricular life of the school.

Uphold our pastoral expectations as a Form Tutor or Deputy Form Tutor.

Engage actively with CPD, departmental development and appraisal to refine and grow your professional practice.

What We’re Looking For

We’re keen to hear from candidates who bring:

A strong degree in a relevant subject.

QTS or a recognised teaching qualification (desirable but not essential).

Excellent subject knowledge and the ability to deliver engaging lessons across KS3–KS5.

A passion for languages and the ability to motivate and support learners of all abilities.

Strong communication, organisation and ICT skills.

A collaborative, positive and proactive approach to school life.

Personal warmth, integrity and professionalism.

A commitment to high standards, safeguarding and the School’s ethos and values.

ECTs are warmly encouraged to apply — we offer robust training and mentoring.

Why Join Us?

At Surbiton High School, you’ll be part of a supportive, forward‑thinking team who share a deep passion for language learning. You’ll have access to excellent professional development opportunities, inspirational colleagues and students who are enthusiastic, curious and proud of their achievements.

If this opportunity inspires you and you are eager to bring your passion for Spanish to our vibrant MFL community, we warmly invite you to apply.

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

Surbiton High School holds a Skilled Worker sponsorship licence and, subject to all the relevant legal requirements being met, we would be willing to consider sponsorship for the successful candidate.

Surbiton High School is culturally diverse and fully committed to celebrating and respecting inclusion and diversity throughout our community.

Surbiton High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers, the Disclosure and Barring Service and online/social media searches.

Please note that the School reserves the right to appoint at any stage during the recruitment process.

For any queries relating to the role or your application, please email

recruitment@surbitonhigh.com