Head of Computer Science

Who we are

Opening in September 2025, Aston University Mathematics School (AUMS) is a specialist sixth form dedicated to transforming the lives of talented young mathematicians and scientists across the West Midlands. With a bold ambition to become the UK’s leading sixth form for computer science and AI by 2030, we’re looking for a visionary leader to drive this mission forward. Could that be you?

At AUMS, Computer Science is not an afterthought - it is one of the three core subjects, alongside Mathematics and Physics. As one of only nine University Maths Schools in the country, we are a selective state sixth form where every student studies A-level Mathematics and Further Mathematics, alongside either A-level Physics or A-level Computer Science. This focus ensures we attract and nurture the region’s brightest and most capable students. Find out more about our school on our website: www.aums.ac.uk.

AUMS is part of the Aston University STEM Education Academy Trust (AUSEAT), a newly established multi-academy trust sponsored by Aston University. The trust builds on the strong pedagogical foundations, sustained leadership, and outstanding performance of the highly successful Aston University Engineering Academy (www.auea.co.uk).

Through its close partnership with Aston University, the trust provides a unique advantage, seamlessly integrating secondary education, higher education, and specialist STEM pathways. This connection fosters ambitious aspirations, expands career opportunities, and broadens pathways into STEM fields for our students.

Our mission extends beyond the school’s walls. Through outreach work with secondary teachers and pupils, we aim to raise the quality of mathematics education across the region, inspiring a new generation of STEM leaders.

What we can offer you

Joining our founding team at AUMS presents a unique, once-in-a-career opportunity to shape the culture, ethos, and direction of a brand-new school from the ground up.

You will also benefit from working in a stunning, state-of-the-art building located on Aston University’s campus in central Birmingham. Currently undergoing a £5 million refurbishment, including spending £250,000 on computing facilities, our school will be world-class environment for teaching and learning, ensuring that staff and students alike have access to the very best resources. The new appointee would have a substantial budget with which to kit out their department to the highest specifications.

Our rigorous entry requirements—students must achieve a grade 8 or above in GCSE Mathematics and pass an aptitude test and interview—ensure you will work with highly motivated, capable, and conscientious students who thrive on stretch and challenge.

We also offer a comprehensive package of benefits and professional development opportunities, including:

• Staff benefits, training, and healthcare package, including reduced-cost membership at Aston University’s Sports Centre, access to Aston University’s nursery scheme and free audiology, eye tests, and health clinics via Aston University.
• A personalised CPD and career development programme.
• Opportunities for higher study and professional development through Aston University.
• Regular opportunities for international visits.

At AUMS, we value the wellbeing of our staff and are committed to ensuring workload and work-life balance are respected, creating an environment where you can thrive both professionally and personally.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for an exceptional Head of Computer Science to lead one of the three core academic disciplines at Aston University Mathematics School—alongside Mathematics and Physics. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of Computer Science education in a school that is setting its sights on becoming the UK’s leading AI and Computer Science schools by 2030.

With a £250,000 investment in state-of-the-art Computer Science facilities, you will have a unique opportunity to influence the design and direction of a cutting-edge learning environment. This is not just another departmental leadership role - this is a chance to be at the forefront of elite STEM education, working with some of the brightest students in the country and shaping a curriculum that will set the standard nationally.

Whether you are an experienced Head of Department looking for an exciting new challenge, or an outstanding classroom practitioner ready for your first leadership role, you will bring excellence in teaching, a bold vision for innovation, and a passion for inspiring the next generation of computer scientists. You will play a key role in establishing a culture of intellectual ambition, creativity, and curiosity - one that is fully supported by a headteacher who is also a passionate computer scientist and advocate for the subject.

As the founding Head of Computer Science, you will initially be the sole teacher in the department, but will lead its growth as the school reaches full capacity. This is an unparalleled chance to shape a subject at the heart of the school’s identity, ensuring AUMS becomes a centre of excellence for AI and Computer Science.

We are looking for a candidate with exceptional subject knowledge and significant experience of teaching A-level Computer Science; this is essential for catering for our academically outstanding students. Students at a mathematics school engage with the most demanding A-levels and are often highly talented and motivated. Your role will be to unleash their potential and spark their curiosity, adapting your teaching to meet their needs. This is not a school where rigidly following the syllabus or teaching solely to the test is acceptable. Instead, we prioritise making interdisciplinary connections and seizing opportunities for extension, fostering an environment where students are inspired and challenged to think beyond the curriculum.

Find out more and apply

Please download the applicant pack for detailed information about the role, including the job description and person specification. For an informal and confidential discussion, contact us at head@aums.ac.uk to arrange a visit or a confidential conversation with the Headteacher, Francis Goodburn.

Applications should be submitted via the TES website form by 5pm on Monday, 24th February 2025. Interviews are provisionally scheduled for the week commencing Monday, 3rd March.

We are committed to equality and diversity. We therefore welcome applications from colleagues from all backgrounds into our community irrespective of their religion or belief, age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, marital or pregnancy status.

We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to Enhanced Disclosure clearance through the Disclosure and Barring Service and candidates’ suitability to work with children will be explored at interview and confirmed through references for the appointee.