Start date: September 2026 or January 2027

The Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle, one of London’s leading international schools, is seeking to appoint an exceptional and dynamic Headteacher of the British Section for September 2026 or January 2027. This is a rare opportunity to lead a high-performing and distinctive academic community within a large, diverse, and globally minded French international school.

The British Section offers a rigorous and successful GCSE and A Level pathway, combining the strengths of the British education system with the richness of a bilingual and multicultural environment. The successful candidate will lead and further develop this provision, ensuring outstanding outcomes while nurturing a culture of intellectual ambition, independence, and inclusion.

As a key member of the senior leadership team, the Headteacher will also contribute to the strategic direction of the wider school and will hold a Deputy Headship responsibility.

The role

You will:

• Provide clear and inspiring leadership of the British Section
• Drive excellence in teaching, learning, and outcomes at GCSE and A Level
• Lead on assessment, reporting, and public examinations (Head of Centre)
• Promote a strong culture of safeguarding, inclusion, and student wellbeing
• Foster a vibrant, ambitious, and supportive learning community
• Work closely with colleagues across the Lycée to strengthen its bilingual and international mission

We are looking for a candidate who has:

Essential

• Significant senior leadership experience in a secondary school setting
• A good honours degree
• Extensive knowledge of the British GCSE and A-level curriculum
• Proven ability to secure high academic outcomes (outside your subject specialism) and lead school improvement
• Experience of inclusive leadership and oversight of examination access arrangements
• In-depth understanding of examination and regulatory frameworks, ensuring full compliance
• Experience with inspection frameworks (e.g., Ofsted or ISI)
• Strong organisational and strategic leadership skills
• A firm commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and student wellbeing
• Ability to lead and inspire staff within a high-performing team
• Full fluency in English and French

Desirable

• Direct experience of the French education system (AEFE, Baccalauréat)
• Experience of working within or alongside dual-curriculum or cross-cultural educational structures
• Previous experience as headteacher or deputy head of school.
• A background in the independent sector—particularly within an independent or international school in London—would be highly advantageous.
• Familiarity of leading schools through inspections, particularly Ofsted
• Experience of university guidance and post-18 pathways (UK and international)
• A background working with SEND provision and external specialists
• Demonstrated expertise in contributing to whole-school strategic development

If you are inspired by the opportunity of leading the British section within a distinctive bilingual and internationally renowned school, please forward your CV and covering letter to devra.farhi@harrishill.co.uk or by clicking the 'Apply' button. For a confidential discussion and candidate information pack, please contact Devra Farhi at 020 7820 7308 for further details.

The deadline for applications is Friday, 15th May, and interviews commence the week of 18th May.

The Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and comply with all safeguarding requirements.