Head of Maths / Associate Assistant Headteacher at Shaftesbury School

New

Job Reference #

EDV/2026/SS/76831

Location

Salisbury Road, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8ER

Contract Type

Permanent

Contract Term

Full-Time

Salary

£32,916.00 - £64,691.00 Annually (Actual)
Teacher Pay Scales plus TLR 1.1 or Leadership Pay Range: L6 – L10

Closing Date

9:00am, Tue 5th May, 2026

Start Date

September 2026

Positions Available

Positions Available 1

Interview Date(s)

W/C 11th May 2026

Interview Date(s) W/C 11th May 2026

About this Role

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.