Head of Maths / Associate Assistant Headteacher

Shaftesbury School, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8ER

36 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  September 2026

• Closing date

  5 May 2026 at 10am

• Date listed

  30 March 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Head of department or curriculum
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: £32,916.00 - £64,691.00 Annually (Actual) Teacher Pay Scales plus TLR 1.1 or Leadership Pay Range: L6 – L10

Head of Maths / Associate Assistant Headteacher job summary

Salary: Teacher Pay Scales plus TLR 1.1 or Leadership Pay Range: L6 - L10

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

We are seeking an ambitious and dynamic Head of Mathematics to lead our dedicated department and shape the strategic direction of Mathematics within the school. You will be an exceptional practitioner who can drive high standards in teaching, learning, and outcomes for all students. This post would suit an experienced middle leader or teacher ready to take the next step into middle leadership.

For the right candidate, there is the opportunity to take on an additional whole-school leadership responsibility as an Associate Assistant Headteacher. This aspect of the role would be tailored to the successful candidate’s strengths and experience and may include areas such as teaching and learning or assessment. You might be an existing senior leader eager to join us and shape whole-school strategy while leading a high-performing department or you may be a current middle leader looking to take your next steps into senior leadership. The successful candidate will combine exceptional subject expertise with the vision, integrity and leadership skills needed to inspire students and colleagues alike.

Key Responsibilities as Head of Mathematics;

• Lead, develop and quality-assure the Maths department to secure exceptional outcomes for all students

• Contribute strategically to whole-school priorities as part of the senior leadership team

• Champion high standards in teaching, learning and curriculum design

• Support and coach colleagues at all career stages, fostering a culture of professional growth

• Use assessment and data effectively to inform improvement planning

• Model outstanding classroom practice and positive behaviour expectations

• Support the academic and holistic development of students across the school

For candidates with the appropriate experience and ambition, there is the opportunity to:

• Contribute to the wider leadership of the school

• Lead on whole-school priority areas

• Work on a small, yet supportive Senior Leadership Team to shape school improvement

Please indicate within your application whether you wish to be considered for the Associate Assistant Headteacher responsibility.

We are looking for a passionate and reflective candidate who:

• Has a proven track record of raising student achievement in Maths

• Can motivate teams and lead change with clarity, empathy and ambition

• Is committed to inclusion and ensuring every student thrives

• Communicates effectively with staff, students and families

• Upholds the values and ethos of our school community

Person Specification

Essential:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

• Good honours degree in Mathematics or a related subject

• Successful experience of teaching Mathematics across Key Stages 3 and 4 (and 5 if applicable)

• Evidence of improving student outcomes within a mathematics department

• Experience of leading, or contributing to, departmental improvement

• Strong subject knowledge and understanding of effective pedagogy in Mathematics

• Ability to analyse data and use it to drive improvement

• Ability to lead, motivate and develop staff

• Excellent communication and organisational skills and high expectations of students and staff

• Resilience and the ability to lead through challenge and change

• Commitment to inclusive education and improving life chances for all students

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective relationships

Desirable:

• Evidence of further professional development in leadership (e.g. NPQML, NPQSL or equivalent)

• Experience of leading a key stage or significant area within a department

• Experience of whole-school responsibility (for candidates interested in Associate Assistant Headteacher role)

• Understanding of whole-school improvement strategies

• Experience of leading teaching and learning initiatives beyond own department

• Strategic thinking and the ability to contribute to whole-school leadership

As a school, we use a Teaching & Learning toolkit, which is research-driven and evidence informed. We call upon Rosenshein’s principles and Sherrington’s Walkthrus, ensuring our students have an equitable curriculum and diet of educational experiences. We are also moving towards the use of StepLAB soon to help progress the school further.

We are looking for someone who is organised, committed and able to motivate our young people, whilst also leading a dedicated and strong team of Maths teachers. We want someone who will go the extra mile. In return, you will join a school and a Trust that is full of activity, opportunity and optimism. The school has a centralised behaviour management system, supporting staff workload. We have bespoke Internal Alternative Provision on site for students who struggle with the mainstream lesson setting. The school has a growing 6th Form and fantastic facilities, including a Techno Gym Suite (staff use free of charge), AstroTurf, Multi-Use Games Area, a full-scale climbing and bouldering wall, wonderful grass pitches that drain well, tennis courts, five ICT suites, a 6th Form/Staff Café, a fully resourced Library, free staff refreshments every day, a multi-faceted Steps to Support programme for our young people, a staff well-being charter and staff counselling.

For more information about our wonderful school, please click here to view our careers page.

To find out more about the benefits of working for SAST, click here

Should you wish to arrange a visit to view our school, please do not hesitate to contact Channon Bruton, Office Manager on Channon.Bruton@shaftesburyschool.co.uk and she will be happy to arrange this for you.

SAST will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. In line with KCSIE guidance, this will be part of safer recruitment checks, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination, a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the searches and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.

Safeguarding responsibilities associated with this role may include engagement in regulatory activity, such as administering first aid or supporting an upset child. It will have contact with young people on a day-to-day basis. SAST is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will have to meet the person specification, and the post is subject to safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check and Children’s Barred List check. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

SAST recognises the benefit of having a diverse workforce and is committed to building a workforce which reflects diversity from the communities it serves. SAST values the contributions from all staff from a wide range of different backgrounds and actively seeks to promote an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment and at the same time supports fair promotion and cultural acceptance. Under the provision of the Equality Act 2010 SAST welcomes applications from everyone and operates a recruitment process which is fair and does not discriminate against or disadvantage anyone because of their age, disability, gender reassignment status, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race or nationality, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

This role is UK- based and your right to work will need to be established as part of the appointment process.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Safeguarding responsibilities associated with this role will include engagement in regulatory activity, such as administering first aid or supporting an upset child. It will have contact with young people on a day-to day basis. SAST is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will meet the person specification and is subject to an enhanced DBS and Children’s Barred List check. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About Shaftesbury School

• School type: Academy, Church of England, ages 11 to 18
• Education phase: Secondary school
• School size: 864 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 18
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Shaftesbury School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/shaftesbury-school

In our most recent inspection in March 2023, we were delighted that we were judged by Ofsted as being “Good”. The report reflects the wonderful quality of education we provide, the nurturing environment we have cultivated, and the positive impact we make on the lives of our students. The inspectors commended our commitment to excellence, the strength of our teaching and learning, and the exceptional progress our students have made under the guidance of our team. Our SIAMS inspection also highlighted that we have areas of excellence across the school community and we are a place where young people thrive.

At Shaftesbury School we hold an educational vison close to hearts of everyone “being the best they can be”. Just as Jesus used the parable of The Good Samaritan to explain, “love thy neighbour as thyself”, we too have this at the root of our ethos. This vision and ethos is brought to life through our core values; Belonging, Empathy, Service and Thrive. Staff have the highest expectations of every student and guide them to ensure they become confident learners, who will leave Shaftesbury School with an excellent level of knowledge, skills and experience to flourish in an ever-changing world.

We are pleased to be part of SAST. There is real strength in coming together with a collective responsibility for all of the children’s development and progress between 0-19 years. We believe in preserving schools in the local community. This means that there will be considerable local expertise to support staff with the chance to make a contribution to any wider developments.

Shaftesbury School is a great place to work and is a beautiful town itself; most students come from Shaftesbury and the surrounding area. The school is set on the edge of the town, close to the A303 and within easy commuting distance from the south coast of England, Bath, Salisbury, Yeovil and Wimborne.  

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