Head of Science
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
- Head of department or curriculum
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Subject
- Science
Working pattern
- Full time, part time
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- MPS1 to UPS3
Additional allowances
TLR2
What skills and experience we're looking for
Post: Head of Science
Responsible to: Headteacher
Cambridge Maths School is seeking an exceptional and enthusiastic science teacher to lead our Science Department. This is a rare opportunity to shape the development of science education within one of the country's most academically ambitious sixth form schools.
Cambridge Maths School is a specialist sixth form developed in partnership with the University of Cambridge. Our students are passionate about mathematics, science and problem-solving, and we are committed to providing a world-class education that inspires intellectual curiosity, academic excellence and future leadership in STEM.
The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership for Biology, Chemistry and Physics, ensuring a coherent and ambitious science curriculum that enables highly able students to flourish. They will work closely with colleagues across the school to promote excellence in teaching, learning and enrichment whilst maintaining a strong focus on student wellbeing and inclusion.
We would be particularly interested in hearing from applicants who are able to teach Physics and/or Computer Science, although applications from outstanding candidates in any science discipline are warmly welcomed.
We are looking for a teacher who:
Has a track record of excellent classroom practice in a science discipline.
Has the knowledge and credibility to lead and develop science across the school.
Is passionate about inspiring young people to pursue science at university and beyond.
Can support curriculum innovation and high-quality assessment at A Level.
Has the interpersonal skills to build a collaborative and supportive team culture.
Shares our commitment to widening participation in STEM.
The role includes responsibility for:
Leading the strategic development of science across the school.
Supporting curriculum planning, assessment and quality assurance.
Coaching and developing colleagues.
Promoting enrichment opportunities including university links, competitions, research projects and outreach activities.
Ensuring the highest standards of student achievement and engagement.
This role attracts a TLR2 allowance.
In return, we offer:
Exceptionally motivated and academically ambitious students.
A culture of professional trust and autonomy.
Close links with the University of Cambridge and the wider STEM community.
Extensive opportunities for professional development.
The opportunity to play a significant role in the continuing development of a unique and innovative school.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact us via email at recruitment@cms.tela.org.uk.
Primary Purpose of the Role
Ensure the effective development of a broad, structured and coherent academic and enhanced science curriculum.
Establish and sustain high-quality teaching, of A-Level science to high-achieving students.
Ensure a culture of staff professionalism and contribute to establishing the ethos and culture of the school.
To build a collaborative learning culture within the school to ensure that every child reaches their full potential in all areas of their development and makes excellent progress.
To work with the necessary ability, vision, energy and enthusiasm, and as a skilled negotiator, with all, putting the needs of the children first.
To promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young persons for whom the school is responsible and those with whom they come into contact.
Work with the governing board as appropriate.
Maintain working relationships with fellow professionals and colleagues to improve educational outcomes for all pupils.
Work successfully with other schools and organisations.
Help the Head of School to manage and organise the school environment efficiently and effectively to ensure that it meets the needs of the curriculum and all health and safety regulations
REVIEW DATE/RIGHT TO VARY
This Job Description is as currently applies and will be reviewed regularly. The post-holder may be required to undertake other tasks that can be reasonably assigned to, including development activities, which are within capability and pay-scale.
Person Specification
Essential
Excellent grades in A level science (or equivalent qualifications)
Qualified teacher status.
A good honours degree or equivalent in science, or a relevant technology-related subject.
PGCE
Recent teaching experience of teaching science to high attaining 16-19 year old students
Care, guidance and support as a pastoral tutor
Depth of subject knowledge and mental agility
A significant interest in science that will engage and excite
Ability to quickly create effective rapport and a constructive relationship with students
Determination to adopt new and innovative approaches to enhance student experience
Empathy with the ethos and values of CMS.
Commitment to young people’s wellbeing, safeguarding and development.
Dedicated to continuous school improvement.
Self-knowledge and a commitment to continual professional development of self and all the school’s employees.
Presence and visibility, demonstrating optimism and managerial courage with a well-developed sense of proportion.
Role model of best practice, with a professional manner that motivates
Desirable
Masters Degree or PHD in relevant subject
Preparing students for University Entrance in science
Preparing students for science challenge and extension papers
Knowledge of the needs of SEND learners
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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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