Assistant Headteacher (Science & Pastoral Leadership)
Cambridge Maths School, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB1 2AZ14 days remaining to apply
Start date details
January 2027
Closing date
13 October 2026 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
29 September 2026
Job details
Job role
- Assistant headteacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Subject
- Science
Working pattern
- Full time, part time
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- Leadership L8-L12
What skills and experience we're looking for
Assistant Headteacher (Science & Pastoral Leadership)
Cambridge Maths School, CambridgeLeadership Scale L8-L12 (depending on experience)Full Time (although part time may be possible on request), Permanent
Start Date: January 2027 (or later by agreement)
Join one of the UK's most distinctive and successful sixth form schools
Cambridge Maths School (CMS) is seeking to appoint an exceptional Assistant Headteacher to join our ambitious and innovative leadership team.
Developed in association with the University of Cambridge, Cambridge Maths School is a specialist sixth form for students with a passion and aptitude for mathematics and the mathematical sciences. Located in purpose-built facilities in the heart of Cambridge, the school offers A Levels in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science and Physics.
Since opening in 2023, CMS has rapidly established itself as one of the country's most successful sixth forms. We combine academic excellence with a deep commitment to widening participation, ensuring that talented young people from all backgrounds can access an outstanding education and progress to the most competitive university courses and careers.
This is an exciting opportunity for an outstanding leader to help shape the next phase of the school's development.
The Role
We are seeking an exceptional school leader who will provide strategic leadership of the Science Department while also taking responsibility for a significant pastoral or whole-school leadership area.
The successful candidate will:
Lead and line manage the Science Department, overseeing Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Drive excellence in teaching, learning, curriculum development and assessment across the sciences.
Support and develop middle leaders and classroom teachers.
Monitor student progress and outcomes across the department, ensuring all students achieve their potential.
Work closely with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team to deliver the school's strategic priorities.
Contribute to the continued development of a distinctive and exceptional sixth form experience.
Undertake a significant pastoral or strategic whole-school leadership responsibility, to be agreed with the successful candidate.
The exact leadership portfolio will be discussed at interview and will reflect the successful candidate's experience, expertise and interests.
Potential Areas of Whole-School Leadership
These may include one or more of the following:
Student wellbeing and mental health
Safeguarding and child protection
Attendance and student engagement
Personal development
Behaviour and culture
Careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG)
Student leadership and student voice
Outreach and widening participation
Super-curricular and enrichment programmes
Staff wellbeing
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Parental engagement
Pastoral systems
We are keen to shape the role around the strengths of the successful candidate and welcome applications from leaders with a range of experiences and backgrounds.
About You
We are looking for a candidate who:
Is an outstanding classroom practitioner with a strong track record of securing excellent outcomes.
Has successful middle or senior leadership experience within a secondary school or sixth form setting.
Has experience of leading, developing and inspiring staff.
Possesses a strong understanding of effective pastoral systems and student support.
Has the vision, credibility and interpersonal skills to lead and influence others.
Is committed to inclusion, widening participation and educational excellence.
Has excellent organisational, communication and strategic leadership skills.
Shares the values and ethos of Cambridge Maths School and the Eastern Learning Alliance.
Whether you are an experienced Assistant Headteacher seeking a new challenge or an exceptional middle leader ready to take the next step into senior leadership, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Why Join Cambridge Maths School?
Working at CMS offers a unique opportunity to help shape one of the UK's most innovative and academically ambitious schools.
Safeguarding
The Eastern Learning Alliance is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and all relevant pre-employment checks.
Application Process
Applicants should complete the Eastern Learning Alliance application form and submit a supporting letter of no more than two sides of A4 outlining:
Your reasons for applying.
What strengths and experience you would bring to the role.
Your leadership style and approach.
Your vision for leading science and contributing to the wider life of Cambridge Maths School.
Why you believe you are suited to this opportunity.
Visits to the school are warmly encouraged.
For further information, please contact recruitment@cms.tela.org.uk.
Closing Date: 13th October 2026Interview Date: To be confirmed
Cambridge Maths SchoolA specialist sixth form for mathematics and the mathematical sciences, widening participation and transforming futures through exceptional education.
The post holder will have a shared responsibility for the safeguarding of all children and young people. The post holder has an implicit duty to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to be committed to promote diversity and equality for all.
Additional Information
The Eastern Leaning Alliance Multi-Academy Trust is committed to equal opportunities, safeguarding and the promotion of the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All staff are expected to share this commitment and undergo the appropriate checks. All positions within the Trust are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references. Only applications submitted using the ELA application form will be accepted. We do not accept applications by CV.
Applications close on 13th October 2026
Please ensure your form and cover letter are returned to Business and Administrative Manager for Cambridge Maths School recruitment@cms.tela.org.uk
Due to the high volume of applicants, we receive for certain roles, we reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than the advertised date if we have received applications that reach the criteria. If you have not received a response within one week of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.
What the school offers its staff
We offer:
Exceptionally motivated and intellectually curious students.
A collaborative, ambitious and supportive staff team.
Close links with the University of Cambridge and leading organisations across academia and industry.
Outstanding opportunities for professional development and leadership growth.
A genuine opportunity to shape the future direction of a growing and successful school.
A reduced teaching allocation to support leadership responsibilities.
Extensive opportunities to contribute to outreach, university partnerships and widening participation initiatives.
What can ELA offer you?
ELA provide sector-leading staff benefits alongside bespoke, high-quality CPD programmes, cross-trust events, and exceptional opportunities for career development within our innovative family of schools.
ELA staff benefits include:
∞ Reduced contact time to enable professional development;
∞ EAP with access to counselling & physiotherapy;
∞ Health care cash plan
∞ Paid annual family day;
∞ Extensive discount club access;
∞ Cycle to work & electric car lease schemes;
∞ Enhanced parental leave;
∞ Flexible work practices;
∞ Laptop & mobile phone payment plans;
∞ Ticket ballots for high-profile events;
∞ Generous annual leave allowance for support staff;
∞ Discounted gym membership for all staff.
Interviews and application process
These will take place at Cambridge Maths School and will include interview and task.
If you would like to apply, please complete the ELA application form and a letter outlining:
∞ your reasons for applying
∞ what you will bring to the role
∞ what your style and approach will be if recruited to this post
∞ why you believe you might be suited to this particular challenge/opportunity.
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
The Eastern Leaning Alliance Multi-Academy Trust is committed to equal opportunities, safeguarding and the promotion of the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All staff are expected to share this commitment and undergo the appropriate checks. All positions within the Trust are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.
Please refer to Cambridge Maths School Safeguarding Policy
https://cms.tela.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Safeguarding-and-Child-Protection-Policy-CAMBRIDGESHIRE-September-2023-Trust-Updates.pdf
Applying for the job
This job requires you to download an application form, you will be able to upload the application once complete.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
About Cambridge Maths School
- Organisation type
- Free School, ages 16 to 19
- Education phase
- Sixth form or FE college
- Size
- 99 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 16 to 19
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- Email address
- recruitment@cms.tela.org.uk
A specialist sixth form developed in association with the University of Cambridge – we opened in September 2023 with a focus on pioneering learning and increasing diversity in the field of maths.
Arranging a visit to Cambridge Maths School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email recruitment@cms.tela.org.uk.
School location
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