Head of Mathematics

University College School was founded in 1830 to promote principles of liberal scholarship. That remains our first and overriding aim. Intellectual curiosity, breadth of study and independence of mind combine to achieve academic excellence; they are not subordinate to it. UCS remains true to the liberal traditions of its founders and continues to work hard to foster independence of mind among its pupils, to value their individuality and to create a diverse and inclusive community. Academic results are excellent. Music and drama are very strong at UCS and the school offers an outstanding range of co-curricular activities and enrichment opportunities.

The Present Vacancy

The current vacancy is a permanent full-time post and is an outstanding opportunity to take on the leadership and management of the Mathematics Department within the context of an academically ambitious school. As the Head of Mathematics, the successful candidate will be responsible for leading teaching and learning within the subject, as well as for the management of the department's operations, including resources, budget, assessments, curriculum delivery and co-curricular activities. The successful applicant will be a strong graduate from a relevant degree course, with a deep passion for their subject, and possess the ability to convey this effectively to pupils across all age groups. They should have the subject knowledge, confidence and ability to stretch and inspire pupils beyond the curriculum both in lessons and in enrichment settings. They will be personally committed to developing a genuine and lasting enthusiasm for Maths in pupils, as well as in preparing them for exam success. This is an outstanding opportunity to lead and teach Mathematics in a stimulating setting. We welcome equally applications from teachers in the maintained and the independent sectors. A willingness to contribute to the co-curricular life of the school will be an additional and important recommendation. We expect all of our teachers to be Form Tutors.

Mathematics at UCS develops confident, versatile thinkers who approach problem solving with intellectual curiosity and rigour. In years 7 and 8, pupils build fluency and reasoning through a carefully sequenced curriculum that blends algebra, geometry, statistics and number supported by rich tasks that promote discussion and mathematical thinking. At GCSE, pupils follow Edexcel IGCSE. The top sets in Year 11 also prepare for the OCR Additional Mathematics FSMQ with over 90% of pupils achieving an A. Mathematics is an extremely popular Sixth Form subject at UCS. Pupils follow the OCR A specification for A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics and results are consistently strong with 80% of pupils securing an A or A* in Further Mathematics. AS Further Mathematics is offered to Single Mathematics pupils where appropriate. The co-curricular life of the department is exceptionally rich. Pupils participate in weekly maths clubs and mentoring. Pupils perform to an outstanding level in a range of national maths competitions including the UKMT challenges and Hans Woyda. Pupils have the opportunity to participate in preparation for STEP and TMUA. The department champions ambition and curiosity, creating a supportive environment that enables pupils to take intellectual risks and develop as mathematicians.

The Mathematics Department

Mathematics at UCS develops confident, versatile thinkers who approach problem solving with intellectual curiosity and rigour.

In years 7 and 8, pupils build fluency and reasoning through a carefully sequenced curriculum that blends algebra, geometry, statistics and number supported by rich tasks that promote discussion and mathematical thinking. At GCSE, pupils follow Edexcel IGCSE. The top sets in Year 11 also prepare for the OCR Additional Mathematics FSMQ with over 90% of pupils achieving an A.

Mathematics is an extremely popular Sixth Form subject at UCS. Pupils follow the OCR A specification for A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics and results are consistently strong with 80% of pupils securing an A or A* in Further Mathematics. AS Further Mathematics is offered to Single Mathematics pupils where appropriate.

The co-curricular life of the department is exceptionally rich. Pupils participate in weekly maths clubs and mentoring. Pupils perform to an outstanding level in a range of national maths competitions including the UKMT challenges and Hans Woyda. Pupils have the opportunity to participate in preparation for STEP and TMUA.

The department champions ambition and curiosity, creating a supportive environment that enables pupils to take intellectual risks and develop as mathematicians.

Salary and Benefits

UCS has its own competitive salary scale. The payment for this post will be dependent upon qualifications and experience, but will be above the national scale.

While the school does not offer accommodation, schemes are in place to assist members of staff with loans for house purchase. The school is similarly prepared to offer loans to help with daily travel expenses. In all cases, eligibility for financial assistance is carefully and independently scrutinised and every effort is made to assess the needs of individual applicants.

If admitted to the school, the children of UCS staff may be educated at reduced fees.

All members of staff are entitled to membership of UCS Active (the private Health & Fitness Club based in the Sir Roger Bannister Sports Centre) at a heavily reduced rate.

Arrangements for the Appointment

The closing date for applications is 12pm, Thursday 10 September 2026. However, please note that we reserve the right to interview and appoint at any stage during this process; early applications are therefore very welcome.

University College School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check before commencing employment. This is a requirement as the position is within a school working with children aged under 18. UCS will also undertake its own recruitment checks through contact with previous employers, and others, to confirm applicants' identities and their professional records.