Job Description

Oundle School is seeking to recruit good language graduates, including those looking to change career, to train as modern language teachers under a unique national teacher training programme, the National Modern Languages SCITT (School Centred Initial Teacher Training). This is the only national teacher training course solely for modern languages, and also represents a partnership between state and independent schools.



Modern languages are a vital ingredient of a broad and balanced curriculum, preparing our students for the global economy, as well as a wide array of cultural opportunities. However, without enough modern languages teachers, we cannot ensure that our students get the high-quality language teaching they deserve. The National Modern Languages SCITT helps tackle this problem by offering an alternative source of outstanding modern language teachers to schools.



This course is different to current teacher training, for the following reasons:


Schools do not employ the trainee. Instead, schools receive a trainee on a placement and support the trainee with a trained mentor. Trainees have the opportunity to train in

both

independent

and

state schools

.

Most trainees receive a tax-free bursary of 20,000 (subject to eligibility and DfE announcement every year) from the government, and a Student Loan if they need it to pay the course fees. Applicants may also be eligible for scholarships of 22,000 (for French, Spanish and German only) if they have a 1st, 2:1, 2:2, PhD or Masters degree. A Subject Knowledge Enhancement course (SKE) might be available for applicants to brush up a second language / a language they have studied at degree level over 5 years ago. The PGCE is provided by Sheffield Hallam University. All of the training is focused on languages and is led by specialists in modern language teaching. These sessions happen in regular hub training sessions delivered locally at Oundle School. The course is for one year (full-time) only.

A trainee will spend most of their time on placements at two schools - one in a maintained school and one independent. Oundle School is working together with thirty other schools in the area and trainees will be placed in any two of these schools.



If you are a graduate with a good honours degree in languages looking for a change in career, or are graduating this year, or are a native speaker with a good degree in another subject, this could be the first step on the path to a very rewarding career. Interested parties should contact Mrs Clare Douglas, SCITT Administrator, at cdouglas@oundleschool.org.uk for information about our upcoming Taster Days and send in their CVs with a covering e-mail. The application process is then completed via DfE Apply. More information can also be found on our website at SCITT Hub | Oundle School or at National Modern Languages SCITT - Home



Expressions of interest must be received ideally before the end of May 2026. Start date: August 2026.


The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.