Teacher of Mathematics and HPA Leader

John Smeaton Academy, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS15 8TA

14 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  As soon as possible

• Closing date

  29 May 2026 at 9am

• Date listed

  15 May 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Key stage 3, Key stage 4
• Subject: Mathematics
• Working pattern: Full time: 32.5 Hours Per Week
• Contract type: Permanent
• Pay scale: MPR/UPR + TLR2b

What skills and experience we're looking for

At John Smeaton Academy, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to secure the gift of choice through an excellent education. We are seeking to appoint an exceptional and inspirational Teacher of Mathematics with additional responsibility for leading our whole-academy approach to Higher Prior Attaining (HPA) students through a Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR). This role is of significant importance to our continued rapid journey of improvement and will play a vital role in ensuring our most academically able students are stretched, challenged and inspired to excel.

This is an exciting opportunity for a talented practitioner and aspiring leader who is passionate about mathematics, scholarship and academic excellence. Alongside teaching Mathematics across Key Stages 3 and 4, the successful candidate will lead the strategic development of provision for Higher Prior Attaining students across the academy, helping to build a culture where academic ambition and intellectual curiosity thrive.

A key aspect of this role will be developing and strengthening our partnership work with Leeds Mathematics School, creating meaningful pathways and opportunities for students with exceptional mathematical potential. The successful candidate will also lead the development of in-school “Maths Circles” and wider enrichment opportunities designed to deepen thinking, foster problem-solving and provide stretch and challenge for our most gifted mathematicians.

Mathematics is a highly valued and growing department, led by a strong team including a Curriculum Leader, Assistant Curriculum Leader, Lead Practitioner and dedicated teaching staff who are passionate about delivering a knowledge-rich and ambitious curriculum. The successful candidate will join a collaborative department with a clear focus on high expectations, strong relationships and securing excellent outcomes for students.

Our facilities provide an outstanding environment in which to teach and learn. The successful candidate will benefit from their own classroom equipped with an interactive touchscreen, situated within a dedicated mathematics corridor designed to promote collaboration and consistency. The department also benefits from a flexible double-classroom teaching space, access to a bookable computer suite and a dedicated departmental workroom.

At John Smeaton Academy, you will join a school on a strong upward journey, proudly serving the community of East Leeds with determination, ambition and care. This role presents an exceptional opportunity for a teacher and leader who wants to make a genuine difference, develop professionally and contribute to transforming life chances for young people.

We welcome applications from both experienced teachers and ambitious practitioners ready to take the next step in their leadership journey. The successful candidate will be someone who believes passionately in the power of education, shares our unwavering commitment to high standards and is driven to ensure every student can thrive.

Potential applicants should:

Be either:

• A trainee teacher who is successfully completing placement(s) teaching at KS3 & KS4 (applicants currently in training).

or:

• A colleague with a successful record of teaching with strong examination results at one or more of KS3 & KS4 (applicants who have already gained Qualified Teacher Status).

Applicants should also have:

• A detailed knowledge of current developments in education including the effective use of the Pupil Premium.
• The ability to put vision into practice.

What the school offers its staff

What we offer you:

As a trust, we have a great responsibility to ensure that professionals, at every stage in their career,have the opportunity toenjoy expert support and training. In addition to the essential training and support provided by the Early Career Framework and National Professional Qualifications suite delivered through Leeds Teaching School Hub, we are pleased to offer a generous benefits package to our team – as we work together to create a rewarding future for all including: 

• Membership of a teacher or local government pension scheme, depending on the role.
• A commitment to continued investment in our professionals, supporting every member of staff throughout their career in the trust.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme which provides confidential professional advice and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• £2k Cycle to work scheme.

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

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

Teacher of Mathematics.pdf - 391 KB (opens in new tab)

Higher Prior Attainer Leader (TLR2b) - JSA.pdf - 345 KB (opens in new tab)

About John Smeaton Academy

• School type: Academies, ages 11 to 18
• Education phase: Secondary school
• School size: 610 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 18
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: John Smeaton Academy website
• Email address: enquiries@johnsmeatonacademy.org.uk
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/john-smeaton-academy

Arranging a visit to John Smeaton Academy

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email enquiries@johnsmeatonacademy.org.uk.

School location

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