French teachers in secondary schools teach French language skills to young people aged 11 to 18 years. An important part of their job involves preparing their pupils to sit written and oral examinations.

Teaching is a highly skilled job and all staff seeking employment in this sector must possess relevant qualifications. Candidates for secondary school French teaching positions must have GCSE passes in English and maths, a bachelors degree in French and a teaching qualification that confers Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), such as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Candidates must also undergo a criminal records check. Teachers with experience of working with young people are likely to have an advantage over those who do not.

Secondary school French teachers should be capable of encouraging their pupils to want to expand their French language skills, relating to their pupils and managing pupils with challenging behaviour.

Demand for French teachers is high. State-maintained schools are the main employers of secondary school French teachers. However, there are also opportunities for trained teachers to work in sixth form colleges, independent schools and young offenders' institutions. Vacancies for permanent full-time and part-time staff and temporary (supply teacher) jobs can be found through a variety of means, including specialist recruitment agencies.

Newly-qualified teachers can expect to receive a starting salary of around £20,000 a year. Salaries tend to be higher for those working in inner London. Teachers with experience may be able to progress to higher paid roles, such as head of their department or faculty.