Head of Mathematics

Eastbourne College is a co-educational HMC independent school of just over 640 pupils, of whom approximately half are full-time boarders. It is a strong community with excellent links with local schools and the remarkable town in which it is located.

Academic standards are very high with an average of almost 80% of A-level grades being awarded A*, A or B in recent years. At GCSE approximately two thirds of all grades awarded 7 to 9 (or equivalent). The College recruits from a wide ability range and value added outcomes are exemplary. The majority of College leavers enter higher education in leading universities at home or abroad.

The College is run as a seven day week, full boarding school. Day pupils share the same wide curriculum as boarders and enjoy equal access to the physical and human resources of the school. Day pupils can complete their prep in Houses; buses run at both 18:00 and 20:00 on weekday evenings.

We are proud of our rich cultural and sporting traditions. The Birley Centre is a hub of music practice, performance, composition and recording. There is an established partnership with Glyndebourne and links with Ballet Rambert, local artists and musical ensembles. College artists exhibit in London, actors have starred in film, TV and the Edinburgh Fringe; the Design & Technology department wins an extraordinary number of Arkwright scholarships. We have an enviable reputation for sport both regionally and nationally. Eastbournians frequently represent the county in hockey, rugby, cricket, tennis and netball; several old Eastbournians have gone on to achieve international honours. There are also thriving CCF, D of E and service programmes.

As we celebrated our 150th year, the College completed the most ambitious development project in its history. Project 150 saw the delivery of over 30 state of the art classrooms, ICT suites, a new swimming pool, café, school shop, dance studio, sports hall, squash courts, dining hall and fitness suite. We believe that the College has some of the best facilities of any school in the UK and the mathematics department sits at the heart of this new development. 

Eastbourne College places great emphasis on the importance of developing a school in which education is built on core values and positive, supportive relationships. These central qualities will endure long after a student moves on from the College. The five key values of participation, the pursuit of excellence, integrity, courtesy and kindness are, it believes, the bedrock upon which every child’s education should stand, providing them with the  wherewithal to flourish both at school and beyond.

The Post

We are looking for someone who is passionate about mathematics with the ability to communicate their enthusiasm in an inventive and inspirational way. She or he will be able to demonstrate originality in teaching, inspire creativity in pupils and staff, and inculcate the skills necessary for excellence in examinations while maintaining excitement and interest in learning.

The successful applicant will be expected to teach GCSE and A level mathematics (an ability to teach further mathematics is desirable) to eager and enthusiastic pupils throughout the school. He or she will be able to cope with administration competently yet speedily, leaving him or her free to concentrate on inspiring teachers and motivating young people. The Head of Mathematics will have opportunity to take the time to reflect and plan, and when appropriate they will be able genuinely to enjoy the exuberant life of the College. All members of the Common Room are expected to play an additional part in the boarding life of the school, e.g. by acting as tutors in one of the day or boarding houses, by offering their expertise in coaching team sports, or contributing to music, drama, debating etc. The department has a long tradition of wide and varied contribution, recognising the value it brings to relationships with pupils in the classroom.

The College has its own salary scale and the successful applicant will be placed on the scale at a level commensurate with their experience and qualifications. There is also a generous responsibility allowance for this important management role. Accommodation may be available for single or married applicants, including those with families. Teachers benefit from a generous rate for the education of their own children, and there are similar arrangements with St. Andrew’s preparatory school.

The Department

The Maths department is one of the largest in the school and it attracts high numbers each year in the sixth form. Over the last seven years 90% of A-level results were at A*, A or B grade. The department, comprising eight fulltime and one part-time teachers, is housed in the stunning, brand-new and bespoke Nugee building. There is a strong cohesion in the department, facilitating discussion and the sharing of ideas. All classrooms have Prowise screens and roller whiteboards. The central philosophy of the department is to provide a comprehensive and inspirational service to students of all abilities through not only curriculum time but also through extra help in surgeries and revision sessions. The department prides itself on its effectiveness at enthusing scholars and the academically challenged alike. Cambridge Maths applicants have enjoyed outstanding success on the ultimate challenge of STEP papers and several candidates secure Oxbridge places each year.

How to Apply

To apply, please visit https://www.eastbourne-college.co.uk/contact/employment-opportunities/  and click the Apply Now button.

A letter of application (addressed to the Headmaster), evidencing your suitability for the post against the job description and person specification, and an up-to-date CV can be uploaded with this online application form.

For further information please contact applications@eastbourne-college.co.uk 

Applications should be received no later than 12:00 noon on 11 October 2019 with interviews taking place at the College thereafter. All candidates will be contacted shortly after the closing date.

Postscript

There are many attractions to teaching at Eastbourne College, not least its location on the south coast in the sunniest part of the country.

The College provides a safe urban environment in an attractive part of a peaceful town where pupils have easy access to shops, cinemas and theatres at appropriate times, and this strengthens the boarding experience. The railway station is close, with easy travel to Gatwick (one hour) and London (under 90 minutes). The beach and sea are a five minute walk away and the South Downs (the newest National Park) are literally on our doorstep.

The school is a strikingly happy, cohesive and coherent community. We look forward to meeting you.

Eastbourne College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.