Head of Mathematics

Following the departure of our Head of Mathematics, who has successfully led the department for over ten years, an exciting opportunity has arisen to lead this large and academically successful Mathematics Faculty. This post will commence from September or January for the right candidate.

The successful candidate will be an outstanding classroom practitioner with a track record of success in teaching Mathematics at the highest level. Working alongside the the Second-in-Mathematics, the Head of Mathematics will help craft an outstanding, expert, and responsive culture of teaching and learning and will work to further drive excellence at the curriculum level. The Head of Mathematics will be a visible and prominent presence across the whole school, the expectation will be that they forge developed partnerships with pupils, parents, colleagues, and the Forest community.

This is a significant responsibility in a large and academic school. The successful candidate would play a key role in shaping intervention practices, reflecting on progress data and mapping out strategies to support and challenge pupils in Mathematics. They would also engage colleagues in expert professional development, coaching and mentoring.

Mathematics is a thriving, popular and dynamic faculty at Forest that secures strong academic outcomes. The Faculty aims to promote the enjoyment and appreciation of Mathematics beyond the curriculum; this is at the heart of its philosophy. We have a large entry every year to all levels of the UKMT Maths Challenges with many gaining gold certificates and progressing to the higher rounds. There is a school team in the London-based Hans Woyda Competition and students regularly attend the Mathematics in Action lectures. We have a programme of guest speakers at Forest.  These have included Marcus du Sautoy, Matt Parker, Alex Bellos and Kjartan Poskitt of Murderous Maths fame.  As part of our partnership with local schools we host other students in our Additional Mathematics programme for Year 11.

Results are strong within the faculty. Over the last five years when public examinations were taken, around 80% of students at Key Stage 4 have achieved grades 7 to 9.  Over 30% achieved a grade 9, and over 60% achieved a grade 8 or 9. At A-level over the same period, our students achieved a 50% A*/A rate in Mathematics and 78% in Further Maths. 47% of Further Mathematicians gained an A*.  Three students have secured offers to read Mathematics at Cambridge in the past few years and many more secure places at leading institutions (in the Russell Group and beyond) each year.

The Forest School Ethos

Forest is a humane, open-minded school with both feet on the ground, in which the pupils’ all-round personal development is outstanding and academic attainment is high.  It is, above all, a happy school which understands the rich inter-relationship between the curricular, the co-curricular and the pastoral.  There is boldness in the School’s character, a readiness to be forward-thinking and adaptable, with pride in what we are and excitement for what lies ahead.

Our Values

GROWTH HARD WORK RESPONSIBILITY COMMUNITY LEARNING DIVERSITY WELLBEING

About Forest

Forest is a large, vibrant school, with more than 1,430 boys and girls in equal proportion, from 4 to 18. Our traditional House structure means that each pupil is treated as an individual, of whom we have the highest expectations, while our size enables us to offer breadth and depth of opportunity.

Location

Forest is a city school set within 50 acres of grounds surrounded by Epping Forest, within easy walking distance of Snaresbrook Central line tube station and Wood Street Overground station.

Why work at Forest?

There are many benefits of working at Forest school as staff are our single most important asset. Key benefits include:          

• Generous CPD budget           
• Comprehensive Professional Development Review system           
• Opportunities to contribute to the wider community via our extensive Outreach Programme   
• Free hot lunch (takeaway sandwich lunch also available) and refreshments throughout the day           
• 20% fee remission (pro-rata for part time staff) for children attending Forest which is applicable Y3-Y13           
• Subsidised membership to the Sylvestrian Leisure Centre         
• Membership of the School's Group Life Assurance scheme and Personal Accident Scheme    
• Contribution towards  private medical insurance fees           
• Membership of a pension scheme

Don’t just take our word for it

What the Good Schools Guide say:

“Forest is a power-house with a heart. The pupils exude purpose – modern, dynamic youngsters with an eye on what’s happening next”

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis so early applications are encouraged. The School reserves the right to make an appointment at any stage.

Applications close on Monday, 11 April 08:00am

Interviews will be held on Tuesday, 19 April 2021

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities employer.