Did you know that the French language is a major language of diplomacy? Beyond everyday communication in French-speaking nations across different continents, it remains an official or working language in organisations such as the United Nations, European Union, and the International Olympic Committee.
These reasons contribute to why many people are considering teaching French as a foreign language in the UK.
Becoming a French Teacher in the UK
- Get a Bachelor's degree in French or a related subject upon completing GCSE
- Achieve the Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) through the PGCE Secondary Modern Foreign Languages (French) course
- Gain practical teaching experience through school placements
- Participate in continuous professional development through workshops and networking
🧑🏫 Why Teach French as a Foreign Language
The French language, as a vector of culture and values, plays a central role in the education process. It embodies the importance of education and collective action and underscores the solidarity and diversity of French-speaking communities across the globe.
Nita Deerpalsing, Dorector of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)'s s Publications and Knowledge Management Division
Global Importance of the French Language
The reason why French remains one of the most taught languages in the world boils down to a significant global presence. It is now the fourth most spoken language in the world, after English, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish. 1
Source: the International Organisation of Francophonie (OIF).
Right now, there are 29 countries where French is an official language (with French often being the main/national language).
- France
- Monaco
- Belgium
- Switzerland
- Luxembourg
- Senegal
- Mali
- Burkina Faso
- Niger
- Guinea
- Ivory Coast
- Benin
- Togo
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Gabon
- Equatorial Guinea
- Burundi
- Rwanda
- Djibouti
- Comoros
- Madagascar
- Seychelles
- Canada
- Haiti
- Vanuatu
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
🌟 Career Opportunities for French Teachers
There are many career opportunities for French teachers in the UK.
The demand for good French teachers spans across these areas:
🚀 Pathways to Becoming a French Teacher
Now, let's review the steps to become a French teacher (teaching in public schools) in the UK.
Step 1
Complete a Bachelor's Degree
Bachelor's degree in French, Modern Languages, or a related subject
Step 2
Apply for teaching training
Through PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) or School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT)
Step 3
Complete the 1-year teaching training programme
Step 4
Obtain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Step 5
Complete Early Career Teacher (ECT) induction (2 years)
Step 6
Continue professional development throughout teaching career
🧑🎓 Educational Qualifications
When it comes to your Bachelor's degree, it's best to choose a programme that is built around comprehensive language training (listening, speaking, reading, and writing components) and the culture of France and the Francophone world.
To become a teacher in the UK, you will need to have the following:
✅An undergraduate degree from a UK or non-UK university
✅A maths qualification of the same standard as GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) grade 4 (C)
✅A science qualification of the same standard as GCSE grade 4 (C) if you teach pupils aged 3 to 11 2
Here's a table detailing various French‑focused university degrees in the UK.
| University | Example Degree | Typical Duration | Distinctive Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford | BA Modern Languages (French) | 4 years | Compulsory year abroad; strong literature, language, and critical theory focus |
| University of Cambridge | BA Modern and Medieval Languages (French) | 4 years | Combines language mastery with culture, history, and literature; rigorous academic training |
| University College London (UCL) | BA French | 4 years | Dedicated French degree; year abroad options; links with European and Francophone institutions |
| King's College London | BA French | 4 years | Strong focus on language plus Francophone studies; London-based cultural resources |
| University of Warwick | BA French Studies | 4 years | Flexible modules; extensive international options and year abroad; strong business and media pathways |
| University of Leeds | BA French | 4 years | Includes residence abroad and language development; suitable for beginners and advanced learners |
| University of Manchester | BA French Studies | 4 years | Language combined with social and cultural studies; focus on contemporary French and Francophone issues |
| University of Bristol | BA French | 4 years | Well known for languages and overseas study; strong cultural and literary modules |
| University of Edinburgh | MA French | 4 years | Scottish degree structure with broad humanities options; year abroad in Francophone countries |
| University of Nottingham | BA Modern Languages (French) | 4 years | Flexible combinations with another language; strong support for year abroad placements |
| University of Birmingham | BA French Studies | 4 years | Includes cultural studies and year abroad; interdisciplinary options across arts and humanities |
| University of Exeter | BA Modern Languages (French) | 4 years | Combines language learning with international outlook; options to study at partner universities or teach via British Council |
| University of St Andrews | BA French | 4 years | Ranked 1st in UK for French studies (2026); independent, critical thought and research-led teaching |
| Durham University | BA Modern European Languages and History | 4 years | French plus history/culture; strong year abroad and interdisciplinary focus |
| University of York | BA Education and French (with a year abroad) | 4 years | Combines French language with education studies; international perspective on learning and teaching |
🏫 Specialised Training Programs
After your Bachelor's degree completion, you can either choose to take the PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) or SCITT (School-Centred Initial Teacher Training).
PGCE (University-Led)
- Training provider: Universities
- Learning style: Mix of lectures + school placements
- Duration: 1 year full-time (or 2 years part-time)
- Qualifications Awarded: PGCE (60 Master's credits) + QTS
- Best For: Those who want a Theory + practice balance; academic qualification
SCITT (School-Led)
- Training provider: School trust
- Learning style: Predominantly practical, in-school from day one
- Duration: 1 year full-time
- Qualifications Awarded: QTS (and often PGCE via university partner)
- Best for: Those who prefer hands-on learning; school immersion
Another specialized training program for aspiring French teachers in the UK is the DAEFLE (Diplôme d’Aptitude à l’Enseignement du Français Langue Étrangère). 3
It acts as a specialist subject add-on instead of a teaching licence. Having this qualification opens more career opportunities in the private sector (language institutes) or overseas.
| Aspect | DAEFLE Details |
|---|---|
| What it is | A professional qualification for teaching French as a foreign language (FLE) |
| Who it is for | People who want to become French teachers or already teach French to non-native speakers |
| Awarding bodies | Alliance Française de Paris in partnership with CNED (Centre National d'Enseignement à Distance) |
| Study format | Fully online / distance learning (accessible worldwide, including the UK) |
| Entry requirements | Good level of French (tested via entry exam); typically at least Bac-level education or equivalent |
| Course structure | Modules covering teaching methodology, classroom practice, pronunciation, assessment, and lesson planning |
| Duration | Commonly around 10–12 months (can be longer depending on pace or modular study) |
| Assessment | Entry test + coursework/modules + final exam (often in an approved exam centre) |
| Study load | Approximately 400–480 hours of study depending on pathway |
| Main purpose | To train teachers to teach French to non-native speakers (FLE) |
| Where it is used | Language schools, Alliance Française centres, private tutoring, international teaching roles |
| What it is NOT | Not a UK teaching licence (does not give QTS for UK state schools) |
🗣️ Practical Teaching Experience
There are several ways to build your practical teaching experience immediately after your degree. You can do it through private tutoring or teaching assistant roles.
Other popular avenues include:
- Voluntary teaching
- Language school French instructor (part-time or during the summer)
- Short-term substitute teaching
- Teaching placements according to your PGCE /SCITT training
🧠Essential Skills and Qualities for French Teachers
If teaching French is on your radar, it’s important to cultivate these qualities to both enjoy and succeed in the profession.
🔤 Linguistic Proficiency
Of course, you’ll need a strong command of the language — especially if you’re teaching French as a non-native speaker. This means you'll have to be well-versed in these areas:
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Pronunciation
- Idiomatic expressions
🥖 Cultural Competence
Next, you need to have an extensive view of the Francophone world. French is spoken beyond France and beyond European countries. You'll have to understand and convey authentic cultural context for language learning. Here are some examples:
Politeness and formality
- Bonjour (formal) vs Salut (informal)
Cultural ritual
- The practice of La bise (cheek kissing, but with sound)
Social life etiquette
- Apéritif culture (common evening socialising)
📚Pedagogical Skills
Finally, you must know how to translate this theoretical knowledge into practical application in the classroom. Effective teaching requires you to have classroom management techniques (especially for diverse student settings), and the ability to adapt your lessons for different learning styles and paces.
Teaching students who are preparing for A-levels would be different from teaching students who are learning French as a hobby. The curriculum design would be different, and the activities and exam preparation would also be different.
For instance, you would emphasise more on role-play scenarios instead of reading comprehension tests to help a student master colloquial expressions if he or she is only learning French for a vacation.
👥Teaching Methodologies and Approaches
Now, let's look at essential strategies to teach French as a foreign language effectively.
📌Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)
Communicative language teaching is an approach that emphasises real-life interaction through conversations, allowing students to speak and listen to one another while making meaningful connections during language learning. 4
This teaching approach prioritises practical applications through interactive classroom activities instead of the traditional memorisation route of learning new words or doing rounds of grammar exercises.
The goal is to encourage students to speak the language without fear of making mistakes and to speak as naturally and confidently as possible. CLT is incorporated through role-play activities such as:
- Introducing yourself to a partner in French (working together in pairs)
- Interviewing your partner about their hobbies
- Asking for directions around town
- Talking to a waiter to order your favourite menu in a restaurant
📌Integration of Technology in Language Teaching
Digital tools are a great way to make language teaching more flexible and engaging. It can be adopted in different settings, such as in the classroom for group learning and at home for personalised learning.
Here are some examples of teaching goals that you can try to set:
| Teaching Goal | Example Activity |
|---|---|
| Vocabulary practice | Students complete digital flashcard sets at home |
| Pronunciation | Students create and record a 30-second French vlog |
| Listening skills | Students watch short French videos and answer questions |
| Revision | Teacher runs live quizzes during class |
| Speaking | Students join online conversation sessions |
📌Assessment and Feedback Strategies
Besides using the standardised tests and the national curriculum for evaluation, you can use both formative assessment and summative assessment to understand what your students can already do and what they need to improve. 5
Formative Assessment
- Conducted during the lesson
- Ongoing and frequent
- Low-stakes or no-stakes grading
- Focuses on learning progress
- Examples: Quizzes, polls, classroom discussions
Summative Assessment
- Conducted at the end of a lesson
- Usually one-time or for specific periods
- High-stakes grading
- Focuses on learning outcomes
- Examples: Final exams, presentations, individual portfolios
✍️Professional Development and Continuous Learning
Moving on, let's review the ways to engage in continuous professional development as a French teacher in the UK.
📖 Advanced Degrees and Certifications
There are many opportunities for further education after getting your Bachelor's degree and QTS status. For instance, you can enrol in the Master’s in Language Education – Specialisation in French as a Foreign Language, Second Language Teaching and Interculturality at Paris Cité University.
This postgraduate degree equips students with multidisciplinary knowledge and the skills to teach French with an emphasis on humanities and social sciences methods. 6
🧑💻Workshops and Seminars
Committing to another full-time degree may not be everyone's cup of tea, so you can opt for shorter training courses, workshops, or seminars. It would be more cost-effective and efficient to take specialised courses that match your current teaching needs or interests.
🤝Networking and Professional Associations
You'll be surprised to know that many French education organisations and communities in the UK offer teachers access to ideas, resources, training, and career opportunities.7
| Organisation | UK Location | What It Offers | Example Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alliance Française | Multiple UK centres (e.g. London, Manchester, Glasgow, Bristol) | Teacher training, FLE qualifications (including DAEFLE), workshops, cultural events, teaching resources | A trainee French teacher enrols in professional development webinars and builds FLE teaching skills |
| Association for Language Learning | UK-wide | CPD events, conferences, teaching resources, professional networking | A secondary school French teacher attends training on improving speaking activities |
| Institut Français du Royaume-Uni | London (with nationwide digital access) | French language teaching support, educational resources, cultural programmes, teacher events | A teacher accesses authentic French materials and attends teaching seminars |
| Conseil Européen pour les Langues / European Language Council | Accessible from the UK through membership and events | Research, conferences, multilingual education initiatives | A university-level language educator joins events to stay updated on language education |
🔁 Challenges and Rewards of Teaching French
Finally, let's look at the pros and cons of teaching French as a foreign language.
⚠️ Common Challenges
Some common challenges faced while teaching French in the UK include:
- Lack of student motivation: General decline in foreign language learning in schools, where the percentage of taking French at GCSE is down from 25% in 2009–10 to 18% in 2024–25. 8 Students rarely see the value of learning French beyond passing examinations.
- Managing school diversity: Some students have different language learning paces in the same class, and the teacher has to adapt to different learning needs
- Resource limitations: There could be budget and time constraints to make sure everything is covered within a short period of time
❤️ Rewards and Fulfilment
Despite the challenges, one cannot deny the rewards and fulfilment of being in this profession. There's a great sense of purpose and meaning to see a student master a foreign language from scratch. 9
Teaching French is an amazing way to participate in someone’s project, for example moving to a French-speaking place; being more confident in speaking with a partner’s family or with friends and colleagues; having more tools for his or her job; helping someone to make a speech during his wedding (yes this one was really cute!). It is extremely rewarding to see how people can improve and be confident after a class and to see them having fun at the same time.
Lisa (10+ years teaching French at International House London)
We hope you have enjoyed reading this article and discovered some new insights on teaching French as a foreign language in the UK!
References
- French language day: strengthening multilingualism, building cultural bridges | United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. (n.d.). https://uneca.org/stories/french-language-day-strengthening-multilingualism,-building-cultural-bridges
- Check your eligibility to train to teach in England. (2025). Get into Teaching. https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/non-uk-teachers/non-uk-qualifications
- Daefle. (2026). Daefle. Alliance Francaise Glasgow. https://www.afglasgow.org.uk/courses-and-exams/exams/daefle/
- University of Louisiana Monroe. (2021, August 4). The Communicative Language Approach in ESL Education. ULM Online. https://online.ulm.edu/degrees/education/med/curriculum-and-instruction/communicative-language-approach/
- Assessment Types: Formative vs. Summative. (2025). K-State.edu. https://www.k-state.edu/assessment/toolkit/basics/formativesummative.html
- Master’s in Language Education – Specialization in French as a Foreign Language, Second Language Teaching and Interculturality (FLE -FLS) | UFR des Sciences Humaines et Sociales. (2026). U-Paris.fr. https://shs.u-paris.fr/en/masters-in-linguistics/masters-in-language-education-specialization-in-french-as-a-foreign-language-second-language-teaching-and-interculturality-fle-fls/
- Home. (n.d.). Association for Language Learning. https://www.all-languages.org.uk/
- England’s national curriculum review misses opportunity to revitalize language learning. (2025, November 24). Phys.org. https://phys.org/news/2025-11-england-national-curriculum-opportunity-revitalize.html
- My Experiences Teaching French - International House London. (2021, July 29). International House London. https://www.ihlondon.com/blog/posts/2021/my-experiences-teaching-french/
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