Ashley Thornton
Preston ,Lancashire
Summary
Inspiring English and French Language Teacher with vast experience delivering interactive, engaging and inspiring lessons for pupils. Currently working in a Secondary school with KS3 and KS4 pupils. Motivational leader, capable of teaching classes of 40 plus. Committed to safeguarding students and adhering to health and safety requirements and equality policies. Success in designing lesson plans to inspire and engage students to choose French for GCSE. More than 20 years working abroad with International students of all levels, as well as high level professionals in many industry sectors. Highly adept in meeting Bachelor course material requirements while focusing individual attention on students to lead them to success. Expert in promoting student reading and writing in and out of classroom to develop creativity and enrich lives. Extensive experience in teaching online, and creating and developing online learning platforms. Bilingual and experience of many different cultures and can adapt easily to different personalities.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
French Teacher
Saint John Fisher Catholic College
Newcastle-Under-Lyme , Staffordshire
10.2025 - Current
- Developed and taught educational, engaging and fun lessons for students, designed to increase enjoyment in French and expand knowledge within language. Worked with children aged from 6-18 years old.
- Used visual aids and object pictures to help students obtain a better understanding of translations.
- Listened to student concerns and issues, providing helpful solutions.
- Sourced and developed engaging and educational teaching materials, including workbooks, presentations and visual aids.
- Used presentations and visual aids for French translations to help students retain information on specific words and phrases.
- Motivated students to complete homework tasks through fun and engaging activities.
- Recorded student development for helpful progress reporting.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of the French National Curriculum and examination specifications to ensure compliance and relevance.
- Tailored language instruction to suit varying age and competence levels.
- Managed classroom dynamics, breaking into small groups for focused work.
- Provided pastoral care to students, offering guidance and support for both academic and personal development.
French and Spanish teacher
Sandbach School for Girls
Sandbach, Cheshire East
04.2025 - 10.2025
- Helped students overcome language barriers through motivation, dedication and persistence in helping them to succeed.
- Planned, prepared and delivered French and Spanish classes for students in various age groups- KS3/ KS4 and KS5.
- Assigned homework to reinforce learning skills and develop good study habits.
- Recorded student development for helpful progress reporting.
- Provided constructive feedback on oral and written work, guiding students towards language proficiency.
- Tailored language instruction to suit varying age and competence levels.
- Developed and administered assessments to evaluate student progress and adjust teaching strategies accordingly.
MFL Instructor French and Spanish
Westwood High School and Sixth Form
Leek, Staffordshire
01.2025 - 04.2025
- Instructed students using innovative classroom techniques and lectures to help learners overcome learning challenges.
- Designed and delivered engaging instructional sessions tailored to learner needs across various subjects.
- Utilised hands-on curriculum and other teaching methods to educate students.
- Conferred with supervisors to discuss program goals and course objectives for lesson planning.
Secondary School French Teacher
Longridge High School
Preston , Lancashire
09.2023 - 01.2025
- Currently working on a temporary contract with KS3 and KS4.
- Used various teaching websites and apps to assist in planning educational lessons in French.
- Created a French lunchtime club for willing pupils.
- Continue to be committed to safeguarding pupils and maintaining healthy classroom behaviour.
- Committed to making French enjoyable to students to encourage them to choose French as an option.
- Recorded class attendance list, flagging and addressing regular absentee issues.
- Developed curricula that covered wide breadth of French culture and language topics and complied with organisation's institutional guidelines and educational requirements.
- Assisting with exam preparation for KS4.
- Covering other classes when necessary in other departments.
Modern Languages Teacher Secondary School
QEGS Grammar School
Blackburn , Lancashire
04.2023 - 07.2023
- Assisted students with improving their French and Spanish listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through both individual and group sessions.
- Effectively managed pupil behaviour, applying appropriate measures in cases of misbehaviour.
- Used safeguarding principles to provide pastoral support and identify students requiring further support.
- Empowered students to take ownership of their own learning and academic development.
- Marked and provided encouraging and constructive feedback on oral and written work, improving personal development.
English as a Foreign Language Teacher
Lyonlangues
Lyon , France
04.2018 - 06.2023
- English tuition for foreign students aged from 6-18 and adults. Online classes, student support and coaching. Exam correction for Medical University, Business Schools, and high level Sports Institutes.
- Managed allotted learning time to maximise student achievement.
- Created audio, visual and written teaching materials to assist in teaching English.
- Counselled students with academic difficulties and behavioural problems for improved outcomes.
- Invented poems, songs and rhymes to help students gain better understanding of English language.
English as a Foreign Language Teacher
Infolangues
Lyon, France
02.2018 - 02.2023
- Online English teaching courses for foreign students and adults in different sectors of work. Vocabulary varying from Pharmaceutical, Marketing, Communication, Accountancy, Banking, Tourism, Aeronautical...
- Conducted in-depth assessments into children's work, providing feedback on grammar, syntax, spelling and punctuation to increase learning development.
- Analysed assessment data to refine lessons and unit plans and make adjustments to support struggling students.
- Employed varied instructional techniques to meet different aptitudes and interests of students.
English as a Foreign Language Teacher
Kedge Business School
Bayonne, SW France
06.2019 - 07.2022
- Teaching English as a second language to students with first language being French or Spanish. Preparing students for the TOEIC examination.
- Assisted admissions team in assessing English level of international applicants to establish areas needing improvement.
- Built extensive and long-lasting student relationships to create classroom environments conducive to learning.
- Held regular verbal and written exams for students to examine learning development and assess difficulties.
English Teacher and Translator
Chamber of Commerce
Bayonne , France
06.2019 - 07.2022
- Teaching Business English to employers in Management positions. Preparing presentations for International Conferences and assisting in multi-national meetings. Translating professional documents for private International companies and entities.
- Evaluated students' comprehension of lessons through relevant test questions.
- Adapted teaching style for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
- Established safe learning environment to make students feel comfortable, secure and confident.
- Understood and followed national standards within English language teaching for assigned age groups.
English as a Foreign Language Teacher
ESTIA International Engineering School
Bidart, Biarritz, SW France
06.2019 - 07.2022
- Teaching Business English and specialist vocabulary to pre and post certification Bachelor students, as well as preparation for TOEIC and IELTS certification.
- Created audio, visual and written teaching materials to assist in teaching English.
- Counselled students with academic difficulties and behavioural problems for improved outcomes.
- Collaborated with other teachers to develop creative, innovative and educational curriculums, teaching aids and field trips.
- Taught students on best revision strategies to aid in passing IELTS, Cambridge First and other common examinations.
English Language Teacher
University of Pau et Pays de l'Adour
Bayonne , France
05.2020 - 12.2021
- University English lecturer in the Economics Management Department, teaching Business English and Core Management skills. Students from Bachelor and Master's programs.
Foreign English Teacher
Cullen Language School
Lyon , France
06.2013 - 09.2019
- I currently worked for Syscom Services from 2003-2013 who were then bought out by Cullen Language Services in 2013.
- I had a break for 3 years then returned to Cullen LS in 2022 where I work as an online trainer.
- Prior to that my role was very similar to the below.
- Teaching adults online from various sectors to enhance their career, attain specific exam certification and fluency for International conferences.
- Provided international students with English language skills to improve communicative ability in speaking, listening, reading and writing.
- Performed regular research and attended teacher networking events to stay updated on latest language developments.
- Employed varied instructional techniques to meet different aptitudes and interests of students.
Education
Certificate of Higher Education - Languages
QTS Online Assessment Only
Stoke 01-2026
TOEIC Teaching and Invigilating Certificate - English languages
Global English
Paris 01-2020
BSc/ BA Sport and Exercise Science and French - Modern Languages
Canterbury Christ Church University
Canterbury, KEN01-2007
A-Levels - French, Sport Science and Biology
Preston College
Preston, LAN01-2003
Skills
- TEFL Level 5 168hr course
- TOEIC Invigilator Certificate
- IELTS teaching experience
- Bsc / BA Sport Science and French
- Bilingual in French
- TEAMS, ZOOM, Powerpoint, Online Teaching platforms
- Child safeguarding
Education
other,other,other
Languages
French
Advanced
C1
Spanish
Upper Intermediate
B2
Hobbies and interests
- Travelling
- Discovering new cultures.
- Working with children
- Sports - netball
- Reading and learning new languages.
Timeline
French Teacher
Saint John Fisher Catholic College
10.2025 - Current
French and Spanish teacher
Sandbach School for Girls
04.2025 - 10.2025
MFL Instructor French and Spanish
Westwood High School and Sixth Form
01.2025 - 04.2025
Secondary School French Teacher
Longridge High School
09.2023 - 01.2025
Modern Languages Teacher Secondary School
QEGS Grammar School
04.2023 - 07.2023
English Language Teacher
University of Pau et Pays de l'Adour
05.2020 - 12.2021
English as a Foreign Language Teacher
Kedge Business School
06.2019 - 07.2022
English Teacher and Translator
Chamber of Commerce
06.2019 - 07.2022
English as a Foreign Language Teacher
ESTIA International Engineering School
06.2019 - 07.2022
English as a Foreign Language Teacher
Lyonlangues
04.2018 - 06.2023
English as a Foreign Language Teacher
Infolangues
02.2018 - 02.2023
Foreign English Teacher
Cullen Language School
06.2013 - 09.2019
Certificate of Higher Education - Languages
QTS Online Assessment Only
TOEIC Teaching and Invigilating Certificate - English languages
Global English
BSc/ BA Sport and Exercise Science and French - Modern Languages
Canterbury Christ Church University
A-Levels - French, Sport Science and Biology
Preston College