“Avoir une autre langue, c’est posséder une deuxième âme” – Galileo. 

 
Whether you are just beginning your career or you have been teaching French for decades, to really inspire the next generation of linguists you need an environment with the right conditions. You need an environment where pupils genuinely want to learn. Here at Smestow Academy, we can offer just that. With the highest expectations of pupils’ behaviour and effort, we don’t accept excuses.  

We need a talented teacher of French who has the passion to provide pupils with the best possible experience of this fascinating subject. You will know how to get the best out of the children you teach. Could this be you? 

Ofsted graded Smestow Academy ‘Inadequate’ when it was in the previous trust. Since joining Matrix in January 2023, the school has experienced a very rapid turnaround. You may have heard about this from recent news coverage: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/black-country/visited-inadequate-secondary-school-wasnt-28096068 

Here’s an excerpt: “As I walked through the corridors, stuck my head into classrooms and spoke with polite and smiling pupils, it certainly didn’t feel like I was in what is, or at least was last time Ofsted was here, one of the worst schools in the West Midlands.”  

Although things are now a lot better, we’re not going to rest on our laurels. Our expectations are high and standards of behaviour are excellent. Our bottom line is if it wouldn’t be not good enough for our own relations, it’s not good enough for our pupils and staff. There is still work to do and we need people – perhaps people like you – who can’t wait to get stuck in. Our progress so far is exemplified by the magnificent  improvement in exam outcomes where progress 8 scored soared from – 0.35 (2023) to +0.26 (2024) subject to validation. 

Matrix Academy Trust’s vision is Education Without Exception. We want the best for every child regardless of where they were born, how much money they do or don’t have and who they are (sex, gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation). We want people who will not only grow the next generation but also people who are eager to take every opportunity to grow themselves.  

We are committed to fostering a culture that values the health and well-being of all employees at Matrix Academy Trust. We are proud to offer a comprehensive well-being package to all employees, including access to 24/7 online GP, physiotherapy services and counselling services. We also offer all employees annual health checks which includes the flu jab, BMI checks and a general discussion with a qualified Nurse.  

To apply please download an application form and send to the Headteacher Ian Chamberlain:  ichamblerlain@smestowacademy.co.uk.  

You may also wish to contact him to arrange an informal look at the school for yourself.  

Application Deadline: 18th October 2024

Please note that suitable candidates will be called for interview and we reserve the right to remove any advertised role early.