The boys are highly intelligent, verbally dextrous, well-behaved and courteous. They get on well with each other and can work together, but they have very different personalities.

The elder boy is a voracious reader, preferring factual works of a historical/warfare nature, though he also reads fiction. He enjoys role-play activities and intellectual games such as chess; he also enjoys making models. He is non-competitive and studious, seeking intellectual challenge, and would like to learn Latin.

The younger boy, on the other hand, is much more social, enjoys all types of sports, loves animals, rides horses, and is competitive.

The tutor will need to have a range of pursuits that span both boys’ interests, and he will need to integrate their differing activities into their language work.

The tutor will be fluent in French, and will work to close the gap between the level of French required and the degree of competence the boys currently have, helping with homework and developing confidence in writing, conversation and reading.

The success of this position will also require establishing close links with the boys’ new school and liaising with their teachers, so that preparation at home ensures success in the classroom and a continuous sense of achievement, rather than always catching up.

It is the family’s intention to return to England after two years, when the boys will be reintegrated into the UK system. Therefore, the tutor will also need to maintain pace with the boys’ UK peer group, especially in Maths and English.

It is anticipated that the tutor will work with the boys after school. (Mornings will be for preparation). Dinner will be taken with the family. It is also expected that the tutor will work a half-day on either Saturday or Sunday, but the tutor should be flexible, to accommodate the changing requirements of the family.

In addition to working with the boys, their mother and nanny may also wish to work on their French with the tutor, or to seek advice on language-related matters. This could, at times, be a critically important role.

There will be fully-furnished, self-contained accommodation in the grounds of the family chateau. All expenses relating to this accommodation – other than private use of the phone – will be met by the client. (The chateau has a swimming pool and tennis court, which are available for use by the tutor.)

It is not a requirement, but it would also be an advantage if the tutor plays a musical instrument. Also, given the remote rural location, the tutor will need to be comfortable in an isolated environment.

The tutor should expect breaks that coincide with normal school holidays. However, the client may well ask the tutor to join them during some weekends, and the tutor will be expected to accept these invitations. Should this happen, alternative days will be given to make up lost time off, or an additional pro-rated fee will be charged to cover the days worked. (The client will be responsible for the tutor’s expenses on any such travel). Normal holiday entitlement will be 9 weeks per annum, and in no circumstances will the tutor receive less than 6 weeks vacation per year.