Job Description

Head of Faculty: Mathematics

Permanent, full time, start date January 2026

41,945 to 44,690 per annum depending on experience and Head of Faculty allowance of 3,460 per annum

We are looking to appoint a highly motivated, dynamic and innovative individual with an excellent record in departmental development and teaching and learning. We wish to appoint someone who is excited about energising our young mathematicians through engaging and inspirational teaching. The classroom is a place for discovery, exploration, trial and error, problem-solving, rich questioning along with the celebration of effort, achievement and progress. Positive connection with every person really matters here.

The Head of Faculty for Mathematics will be an outstanding teacher and an innovator with regards to ensuring that every child is able to access the curriculum whilst experiencing success through adaptive teaching, encouragement, care and tailored intervention.

We have outstanding mathematicians with impressive aptitude across the full spectrum of the subject. We also work with students who lack confidence in Maths and need focused support to gain self-assurance and reach potential. This role will be instrumental in ensuring that the Maths experience is tailored to meet the needs of the wide ability range so that all students can see their progress and get excited about it. Connection with some of our Junior School mathematics and occasional workshops would also be very welcome.

The school has a good academic record alongside a strong reputation for excellent pastoral care. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and inspirational leader to work with the leadership team and the whole community of staff to strategically and successfully navigate Our Lady of Sion School into its next phase of growth, development and renown.

This role will:

be instrumental in meeting the needs of all young people across the Senior School and those studying A Level in our VISion Centre

play an important part in ensuring that the culture of the faculty is embedded in the ethos of Sion Education. Encouragement, kindness, care and consideration - always.

work closely with the Senior Leadership Team, other Heads of Faculties and the team of Maths teachers to ensure the highest possible standards and consistency in teaching and learning is the experience of all students

work closely with the Marketing Director on promotional activity and outreach events for the Faculty

energetically promote the value and importance of numeracy, inspiring our young people to form a love of learning through the curriculum experience within the classroom, through local and national competitions and via our extra-curricular provision in school

have a prominent, visible presence within the school and will forge strong relationships with pupils and their families, staff and the wider community including our Junior School and our other Feeder Schools

want to unlock the potential in each individual child and work with the team of Maths teachers to enable this

be able to run the organisational and operational aspects of the faculty, whilst creating a strategic vision (in conjunction with the Headteacher) for Mathematics for the next five years

will need to demonstrate success in sustaining academic excellence, helping every child achieve exceptional progress and using data to inform actions

be providing our students with a breadth and depth of experience, and we want this person to be unashamedly passionate about offering opportunities for our students to develop and thrive and to thoroughly enjoy the Maths experience across the Key Stages

What we can offer you:

The opportunity to join our independent coeducational day school, with approximately 300 pupils, aged 3-18 years , supported by a hugely talented and hard-working staff team;

Small classes with well behaved, polite, respectful, committed students who are positive and active learners;

Excellent professional development and guidance;

An ethos of kindness and consideration that is actively lived-out;

Large teaching rooms, providing a comfortable and well-resourced space for lessons;

Membership of a defined contribution pension scheme, cycle to work scheme, school fees discount (post probation) and an employee assistance programme.

What we are looking for:

A well-qualified, conscientious and talented team player who believes in lifelong learning and has a passion for the subject and an ability to bring it to life in the classroom;

The ability to teach Mathematics across the age and ability range from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5;

A commitment to extra-curricular activities, providing students with a safe and exciting range of activities;

The talent, interpersonal skills and range of teaching skills necessary to deliver success from the staff team;

The commitment to care for everyone in our school community;

A passion for teaching and learning that energises young people and allows them to develop the skills and attitudes they will need for their futures;

The enthusiasm to develop this subject and an ambitious vision for the future;

To support the Sion ethos of our school and proactively model this to all stakeholders

If you would like to discuss the role prior to application, please contact Kate Harte, Human Resources Manager either via recruitment@sionschool.org.uk or via 01903 204063.

Key dates:

Closing date for applications:

8.00am 23rd June 2025

Shortlisted candidates will be notified by 24th June and will be interviewed on

30th June or 1st July 2025

Please submit your application form, ensuring that you provide evidence of your impact and how you would meet the requirements within the person specification to recruitment@sionschool.org.uk by

8.00am 23rd June 2025.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Head of Faculty: Mathematics will:

Work closely with members of the Senior Leadership Team to ensure the highest possible standards and consistency in teaching and learning is met for all students.

Manage the faculty for all mathematics staff.

Work closely with the Marketing Director on promotional activity and events for the Faculty.

Energetically promote the value and importance of learning mathematics, inspiring our young people to form a love of learning through the areas of study.

Support the Outreach work of the school especially in the Cognoscenti Circle events and Maths Challenge workshops.

Want to unlock the potential in each individual child and work with teachers to enable this.

Run the organisational and operational aspects of the faculty, whilst creating a strategic vision (in conjunction with the Headteacher) for Mathematics for the next five years.

Continue our liaison with local universities as we work together to offer challenge and inspirational experiences both inside the classroom and beyond

Duties and Responsibilities:

In addition to an academic teaching timetable (with the usual reduction in teaching to allow time for effective leadership and management), the responsibilities of the Head of Faculty will include

Managing and Leading the Faculty

Overseeing the development and implementation of a strong and dynamic Mathematics curriculum throughout the school from Year 7 through to Year 13 inclusive. Support the Junior School Class teachers when necessary to support those students displaying high aptitude for maths. Chair regular faculty meetings to ensure that they are used effectively to review performance and that actions are recorded and implemented Manage day to day requirements such as examination entry and faculty timetables, delegating as appropriate, to ensure the efficiency of the faculty Monitor and control the faculty's allocated budget and purchasing arrangements, to ensure the efficient and effective use of all resources Identify future resourcing needs and aspirations for the faculty for consideration in the school budget planning process Ensure that all resources are fit for purpose and used in accordance with health and safety guidelines Liaise with the Bursar to ensure that facilities are well maintained Work with the Bursar to ensure that risk assessments are up to date and regularly reviewed Be proactive in identifying training needs within the faculty, ensuring that they are appropriately met, and that all members of the faculty are active in their own personal and continuous professional development, as explored formally in the appraisal programme. Assigning staff to teach an appropriate allocation of groups within the faculty Ensuring that the curriculum is rich, relevant, inspirational, and aspirational and that it contributes to the first-rate educational and whole person outcomes. Writing, implementing and reviewing policy statements to ensure the faculty is progressing and reaching targets. Managing and organising the faculty efficiently and effectively to ensure that it meets the needs of the curriculum and health and safety regulations. Overseeing and leading the work of all members of the faculty Leading regular meetings with teachers in the faculty to review provision, pupil progress, initiate new ideas and bring innovation to the faculty Review and update the faculty development plan in collaboration with the Leadership Team, ensuring that the faculty meets its targets and is ambitious in its future planning. Contribute to relevant school policies and strategic planning as required by the Headteacher to ensure the school is compliant with ISI standards and regulations. Taking the lead in ensuring that school policies and strategies are embedded in schemes of work and departmental plans. Reviewing and updating the performance and development of the department annually and presenting the achievements of and plans for the Faculty to the Governors' Education Committee if required. Working alongside the Headteacher in utilising the excellence of the Faculty in raising the profile of Our Lady of Sion School to the wider community of young people (Town/County) and strengthening links with children in the Junior School. Prepare, monitor and update annual faculty handbooks, plans and policies in consultation with colleagues

Teaching and Learning

Ensuring that the classrooms provide a positive learning environment that promotes the highest achievement for all pupils. Inspiring a passion for maths in all members of the school community. Providing a model of outstanding practice to all staff in teaching and faculty leadership. Securing and sustaining effective teaching and learning throughout the faculty by monitoring and evaluating the quality of teaching and standards of pupils' achievement with support from the Deputy Headteacher Leading and managing colleagues who teach maths, ensuring that they have clear expectations of their work, and monitoring teaching to ensure pupil outcomes are excellent. Empowering colleagues to develop their leadership potential to ensure continuous improvement of skills and development of knowledge. Ensuring the professional development of all members of the faculty and the effective induction for new staff. Ensuring creativity, innovation and the use of appropriate new technologies to achieve excellence in maths Keeping abreast of educational developments and best management practice in maths to introduce and disseminate appropriate innovation and to develop the department further. Work with the Marketing Director to promote student-achievement, success in local/national competitions and facilitate academic workshops for the local community (students) and members of the Junior School. Actively seeking out opportunities for co-curricular challenges and scholarly endeavours (e.g. ensuring we have an active strategy to promote participation in projects and encouraging departments and pupils to enter other national or international competitions) Promoting excellence in teaching and learning, embedding Growth Mind-set approaches in all lessons and ensuring that pupils reach their potential, remain ambitious in their learning and are equipped for life beyond school. Ensure that within the faculty individual pupil progress is regularly assessed, recorded and reported and used to inform future teaching Monitor pupil progress through the use of performance and benchmarked data to ensure that high standards of learning are achieved and maintained Exemplifying in own practice outstanding skills of teaching and learning which enable pupils to make excellent progress and ensure that good practice is shared with colleagues. Ensuring that schemes of work are used, reviewed, and modified to enable the development of high standards of teaching and learning. Monitoring pupils' work and the classroom practice of those teaching maths through regular work scrutiny to ensure high standards are maintained. Keeping up to date with developments in maths to ensure that best practice is adopted within the department. Organising and leading field trips and overseas visits to develop pupils' understanding of maths outside the classroom. Contributing to the broader life of the school by supporting and leading curricular and extra-curricular events such as activity days/workshops Welcoming inspirational speakers into the school to inspire our students and offer these opportunities to young people in the town who do not belong to Our Lady of Sion School yet

All staff share responsibility for the good running of the school by:

Setting an excellent example to all pupils and maintaining high professional standards at all times. Maintaining and promoting the reputation of the school. Understanding and demonstrating an active commitment to the safeguarding of pupils and staff through adherence to and development of policy and practice. Providing cover for absent colleagues. Participating actively in the rota of duties. Maintaining high standards of pupil behaviour and discipline at all times. Invigilating internal and public examinations as appropriate. Where necessary, meeting with prospective and current parents to promote the school and discuss the curriculum and approach to learning.
It should be noted that the above list of duties is not an exhaustive statement of the responsibilities of the post.

All staff employed by Our Lady of Sion School are expected to take responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom they are responsible for or with whom they come into contact.

Professional development

Participate in the school's appraisal procedures and training and development in order to improve own practice.

Communication

Being aware of confidential issues linked to home/pupil/school work and to keep confidences as appropriate, communicate effectively with the whole school community.

Working with colleagues and other relevant professionals

Being aware and adhering to school policies and procedures, collaborate and work with colleagues and other relevant professionals within and beyond the school, develop effective professional relationships with colleagues.

Personal and professional conduct

Maintain high standards of ethics and behaviour, within and outside school, demonstrating positive attitudes, values and behaviours to develop and sustain effective relationships with the school community, have proper and professional regard for the ethos, policies and practices of the school, and maintain high standards of attendance and punctuality.

Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.

Qualifications

Good honours degree in a related subject - Essential

Qualified teacher status

Experience and Skills

Significant experience of teaching GCSE and A level Mathematics - Essential

Experience of inspiring and motivating maths staff and pupils to achieve the curriculum aims of the faculty

Knowledge and experience of successful teaching and learning strategies to meet the needs of all pupils

Ability to diagnose and intervene wisely when solving problems

Ability to design and deliver high quality lessons with a proven record of developing schemes of work and of raising attainment

Knowledge of a range of pedagogic approaches to cater for different learning styles and ensure all students are engaged

Ability to inspire pupils and motivate others and to relate well to students

Ability to organise work, prioritise tasks, make decisions and manage time effectively including in relation to the work of others

Ability to build and maintain good relationships with a range of stakeholders

Experience in bringing children on in their learning to make excellent progress

Ability to realise department developments and an awareness of national changes to the nature of teaching

Experience of communicating with clarity and credibility

Experience of working calmly under pressure to deadlines

Experience of maintaining confidentiality at all times

Experience of working with children and young people

Personal Attributes

Problem-solver with a 'can-do' approach, positive and constructive attitude

Flexible approach to duties and working hours

Able to use initiative and use problem solving skills

Willing to attend further courses and training as necessary

Other

All successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service with barred list check, satisfactory references, health assessment, qualifications and legal entitlement to work in the UK and will be exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Disclosures include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings as well as convictions, spent or unspent. Clearance will be obtained before employment commences - Essential

Our Lady of Sion School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service with barred list check, satisfactory references and will be exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Disclosures include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings as well as convictions, spent or unspent. Clearance will be obtained before employment commences https://www.sionschool.org.uk/about-us/school-policies/ The School will process personal information in accordance with its Privacy Notice.

Your job application will be assessed on merit and you will receive equal treatment regardless of your sex, age, disability, race, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, marriage or civil partnership, religion or belief.

Two references will be required which should be professional references from your current and previous Employer, all references for shortlisted candidates will be taken up prior to interview. CVs and non-standard application paperwork will not be accepted as part of the application process. Due to the need to appoint in good time we reserve the right to interview and appoint at any stage of the process.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 41,945.00-44,690.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Cycle to work scheme Employee discount On-site parking Sick pay
Schedule:

Day shift
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 23/06/2025
Expected start date: 05/01/2026