Assistant Headteacher (Science & Pastoral Leadership)

Cambridge Maths School; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cambridge Maths School in Cambridge invites applications for an exceptional Assistant Headteacher to lead the Science Department and take on significant pastoral or whole-school leadership responsibilities. The post is aligned with the CambridgeLeadership Scale L8-L12 and offers a pathway to influence the school's strategic priorities.

The role involves line management of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, driving excellence in teaching and curriculum, and supporting middle leaders and staff to

Qualifications

• Outstanding classroom practitioner with a strong track record of securing excellent outcomes.
• Successful middle or senior leadership experience within a secondary school or sixth form setting.
• Experience of leading, developing and inspiring staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead and line manage the Science Department, overseeing Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
• Drive excellence in teaching, learning, curriculum development and assessment across the sciences.
• Support and develop middle leaders and classroom teachers.
• Monitor student progress and outcomes across the department, ensuring all students achieve their potential.
• Work closely with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team to deliver the school's strategic priorities.
• Contribute to the continued development of a distinctive and exceptional sixth form experience.
• Undertake a significant pastoral or strategic whole-school leadership responsibility, to be agreed with the successful candidate.

Job description

Assistant Headteacher (Science & Pastoral Leadership)

Cambridge Maths School, CambridgeLeadership Scale L8-L12 (depending on experience)Full Time (although part time may be possible on request), Permanent

Start Date: January 2027 (or later by agreement)

Join one of the UK's most distinctive and successful sixth form schools

Cambridge Maths School (CMS) is seeking to appoint an exceptional Assistant Headteacher to join our ambitious and innovative leadership team.

Developed in association with the University of Cambridge, Cambridge Maths School is a specialist sixth form for students with a passion and aptitude for mathematics and the mathematical sciences. Located in purpose-built facilities in the heart of Cambridge, the school offers A Levels in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science and Physics.

Since opening in 2023, CMS has rapidly established itself as one of the country's most successful sixth forms. We combine academic excellence with a deep commitment to widening participation, ensuring that talented young people from all backgrounds can access an outstanding education and progress to the most competitive university courses and careers.

This is an exciting opportunity for an outstanding leader to help shape the next phase of the school's development.

The Role

We are seeking an exceptional school leader who will provide strategic leadership of the Science Department while also taking responsibility for a significant pastoral or whole-school leadership area.

The successful candidate will:

• Lead and line manage the Science Department, overseeing Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
• Drive excellence in teaching, learning, curriculum development and assessment across the sciences.
• Support and develop middle leaders and classroom teachers.
• Monitor student progress and outcomes across the department, ensuring all students achieve their potential.
• Work closely with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team to deliver the school's strategic priorities.
• Contribute to the continued development of a distinctive and exceptional sixth form experience.
• Undertake a significant pastoral or strategic whole-school leadership responsibility, to be agreed with the successful candidate.

The exact leadership portfolio will be discussed at interview and will reflect the successful candidate's experience, expertise and interests.

Potential Areas of Whole-School Leadership

These may include one or more of the following:

• Student wellbeing and mental health
• Safeguarding and child protection
• Attendance and student engagement
• Personal development
• Behaviour and culture
• Careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG)
• Student leadership and student voice
• Outreach and widening participation
• Super-curricular and enrichment programmes
• Staff wellbeing
• Equality, diversity and inclusion
• Parental engagementPastoral systems

We are keen to shape the role around the strengths of the successful candidate and welcome applications from leaders with a range of experiences and backgrounds.

About You

We are looking for a candidate who:

• Is an outstanding classroom practitioner with a strong track record of securing excellent outcomes.
• Has successful middle or senior leadership experience within a secondary school or sixth form setting.
• Has experience of leading, developing and inspiring staff.
• Possesses a strong understanding of effective pastoral systems and student support.
• Has the vision, credibility and interpersonal skills to lead and influence others.
• Is committed to inclusion, widening participation and educational excellence.
• Has excellent organisational, communication and strategic leadership skills.
• Shares the values and ethos of Cambridge Maths School and the Eastern Learning Alliance.

Whether you are an experienced Assistant Headteacher seeking a new challenge or an exceptional middle leader ready to take the next step into senior leadership, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Why Join Cambridge Maths School?

Working at CMS offers a unique opportunity to help shape one of the UK's most innovative and academically ambitious schools.

Safeguarding

The Eastern Learning Alliance is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and all relevant pre-employment checks.

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.

Cambridge Maths SchoolA specialist sixth form for mathematics and the mathematical sciences, widening participation and transforming futures through exceptional education.

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.

Closing Date: 13th October 2026Interview Date: To be confirmed