Head of Mathematics

Portsmouth High School is looking to appoint a well-qualified and enthusiastic Head of Mathematics from September 2022. 

The Head of Mathematics will be responsible for the professional leadership and management of the department in order to ensure high standards of teaching and learning are delivered, resources are used efficiently and effectively and the curriculum is managed and developed in accordance with school policy.

The successful candidate will be an innovative teacher with experience of teaching up to A Level and a track record of management success. 

You will have the vision and ability to inspire our resilient and ambitious pupils, and will enjoy enabling students to reach their potential.

The department:

The mathematics department consists of a mixture of full-time and part-time teachers, all of whom teach across the ability range, including A-level. The ability to teach some of the further maths syllabus and prepare girls for Oxbridge applications would be of benefit.

Interested girls are entered for the UKMT challenges and each year we have students who qualify for the follow-on rounds. We actively seek to develop problem-solving skills in all our pupils, not just those of higher natural ability; all members of the department contribute to providing additional support.

The department is very supportive with the sharing of resources and teaching strategies commonplace. We benefit from a school culture that actively encourages trying new ideas and approaches to make the learning of maths engaging. Use of the latest technology is encouraged: teachers are provided with iPads and a stylus, and students are moving towards use of their own devices rather than being wholly reliant on paper. 

The school:

Portsmouth High School is located in Southsea, an attractive region on the south coast which has retained much of its original Georgian character. The school is a dynamic place to work, offering a range of career opportunities and benefits and is committed to staff wellbeing. We are part of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) which is the UK’s leading network of independent girls’ schools.

We offer a variety of benefits, such as: 

• Competitive salaries and pay progression 
• Access to extensive professional development opportunities 
• Training grants for qualifications 
• Generous pension schemes 
• Free life assurance benefit 
• A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools 
• Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans 
• A Cycle to Work scheme 
• Competitive terms and conditions of employment

For further details and to apply please click the apply button. 

Applications should be accompanied by a letter addressed to the Headmistress outlining why you would be suitable for the post and the academic qualifications form.

If you have any queries, please email hr@por.gdst.net or telephone 023 9282 6714.

The closing date for applications is midday on Tuesday 1 February 2022.

Interview date: Wednesday 9 February 2022 TBC.

The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included.

The GDST is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

This role will involve daily contact with children teaching lessons plus management in an independent school. The Head of Mathematics will therefore be engaging in regulated activity and an Enhanced DBS with Barred List checks, Prohibition from Teaching and Prohibition from Management checks will be required. All school staff have a responsibility to work in accordance with statutory requirements and GDST Safeguarding and Child Protection policy and procedures. The school’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and Procedures can be found here: https://www.portsmouthhigh.co.uk/policies