Head of Maths

We are seeking an inspirational Head of Maths capable of delivering the highest standards of teaching and learning through exceptional classroom practice. The successful candidate will join a highly motivated team of academic teachers and will have the benefit of their own teaching room and use of the latest technology in Maths education.

Successful teachers at The Purcell School are committed, industrious and open to development, not only within the confines of the classroom but within the wider musical and boarding life of the School as well. We seek to appoint teachers who are confident and warm, who possess charisma and who recognise that organisation, open-mindedness, structure, clarity, diligence and a sense of vision are vital ingredients in a successful life as a teacher.

In the Maths department we develop strong, positive relationships with students and parents and provide a safe and supportive atmosphere in which all students can make progress through their individual learning journey. We aim to think beyond examination results by making use of mentoring schemes, co-curricular projects, competitions and enrichment days. Our small class sizes and sets enable us to create bespoke pathways for our students with high levels of differentiation that lead to outstanding student outcomes. Maths is a popular subject at A Level and current experience of teaching Edexcel A Level is essential as well as experience of teaching students with EAL and SEN provision.

The Maths department has a high profile in the school and our staff work closely together to create new learning opportunities and resources that can be showcased to the rest of the school. As a small team, we can offer a supportive atmosphere that allows each teacher to explore and innovate in a particular area of expertise and there is a strong commitment to continued CPD as an essential way to develop and acquire further skills as a teacher.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This is a full-time post to start in September 2026. Competitive salary according to the candidate's experience.

Children of staff are not eligible to be educated at the School except through the normal admissions and audition process.

All members of staff are expected to contribute fully to the School's extra-curricular and/or boarding provision.

Lunch and supper (when there is an evening event) can be taken free of charge at school during term-time.

HOW TO APPLY

Candidates wishing to apply should fill in our application form which can be found on our website and submit with a letter to the Principal as soon as possible outlining your motivations for applying and why you believe that you meet the requirements of the role as expressed in this job pack. Please do not send a separate curriculum vitae as these will not be accepted. The closing date for applications is Sunday 8th March 2026 with interviews scheduled for the week of 16th March 2026.

Interviews will explore your vision for the future of Maths in the School, your subject knowledge, pastoral experience and your ability to relate appropriately to students.

Applications should be made to the Principal, sent by email to or by letter to:
Recruitment, The Purcell School, Aldenham Road, Bushey, Hertfordshire, WD23 2TS.

JOB SPECIFICATION

The Purcell School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

JOB TITLE: HEAD OF MATHS
All members of staff are ultimately answerable to the Principal.
Your line manager is the Director of Teaching and Learning.

This job specification sets out the duties of the post at the time of drafting. Specific responsibilities are as follows:

FOR HEAD OF DEPARTMENT

• To create engaging, rigorous and enriching schemes of work, ensuring they are robust and effective and meet the needs of all students
• To ensure that all lessons within the department are well-planned; lessons should be tailored to meet the learning requirements of the class with sufficient opportunities for group and individual challenges.
• To teach all year groups a range of Maths enrichment activities.
• To lead the Maths team; giving a clear vision and direction to the work, identifying key areas for improvements and planning appropriate actions to meet them.
• To ensure that staff have access to all relevant materials to carry out these tasks.
• To organise a framework for administrative tasks. This includes both day to day administrative and Maths specific tasks.
• To manage both the people and resources associated with the department.
• To ensure that risk assessments are carried out in line with the school Health and Safety policy.
• To remain fully informed about national and local developments in their subject area as well as keeping abreast of wider educational issues.
• To develop the departmental Teaching and Learning action plan.
• To ensure that examination administration is carried out and that all students are prepared for Edexcel external examinations at GCSE and A Level with a range of suitable internal mock exams/assessments administered to help raise student outcomes.
• To manage the departmental budget.