Job Description

Assistant Headteacher: Head of Mathematics and Most Able (Years 7-13)

Salary Range: L13-L17

Contract type: Full Time | Permanent

Start date: Easter or later by negotiation

Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 22 February 2026

Interview dates: Tuesday 24 February & Wednesday 25 February 2026

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to lead, shape and build one of the very best Maths departments in Essex, while also driving a whole-school commitment to excellence for our most able students across KS3-5. As an Assistant Headteacher with strategic oversight of Maths and the Most Able strand, you will work closely with the Headteacher and senior leaders to design an exceptional curriculum, develop outstanding teaching, and ensure that high prior attainers are consistently stretched, challenged and inspired. You will have genuine influence - setting direction, growing talent, and embedding a culture where ambition, scholarship and belief in what students can achieve is woven through every classroom. Aligned to our vision of being a remarkable school, this role is for an ambitious leader who wants to build something exceptional and leave a lasting legacy of excellence.

We are determined to become the school of choice in Essex-a place where every young person is challenged, supported, and inspired to thrive. This isn't a dream - it is a promise and you will be at the centre of delivering and creating this.

The Role

This is a strategic leadership post, combining subject excellence with whole-school impact. The successful candidate will:

• Provide strategic leadership for Mathematics, driving up standards and championing excellent pedagogy across Years 7-13
• Lead and develop the Most Able and Scholars provision, including the innovative KES Scholars Programme
• Inspire and develop staff as part of a values-driven, supportive SLT
• Shape a culture where ambition, excellence and intellectual curiosity are celebrated

We're seeking and exceptional leader who:

• Is an outstanding teacher and credible leader of Mathematics with a proven track record in the classroom and in leading the subject strategically
• Has demonstrable success in improving outcomes and developing teams - you'll need to show clear evidence of raising standards and building capacity in others
• Is intellectually curious, outward-facing and excited by innovation and excellence - someone who actively seeks out best practice, stays current with educational research, and brings fresh thinking to the role
• Believes deeply in the power of enrichment, aspiration and opportunity - you're passionate about unlocking potential and creating transformative experiences for our most able students
• Aligns with our values: Dream. Believe. Achieve. - these aren't just words on a wall; they should reflect your approach to leadership and education
• Combines strategic vision with operational excellence - you can think big picture whilst ensuring the details are right
• Is a visible, values-driven leader who inspires trust, collaboration and professional growth across the school community
• Has the resilience and adaptability to thrive in a school on an ambitious improvement journey, embracing both the challenges and opportunities this brings
• Brings energy, positivity and a solutions-focused mindset to everything you do - you're someone who makes things happen

Why Join King Edmund School?

This is a school with immense potential and a powerful sense of purpose. Under new leadership, we are creating something exceptional-step by step, brick by brick. You will be joining a committed, talented team at a moment of transformation, where your leadership will directly shape our school's success story.

Come and be part of something extraordinary!

The school day lends itself to a good work/life balance with the teaching day ending at 14:10. The school offers an extensive support programme, including mentor/buddy system, Initial Teacher Training support for Early Career Teachers (ECTs) or for those seeking Qualified Teacher Status (QTS / QTLS), a system of twilight training sessions, as well as excellent development opportunities. Staff benefits include free car parking, onsite gymnasium and swimming pool as well as staff recognition schemes.

If you are currently considering a career move, we would very much like to hear from you. Please visit the vacancies section of our website (https://kes.essex.sch.uk/join-our-community/staff-vacancies) and complete the 'Quick Apply' application form and submit a copy of your CV. For more about our school and vision please see attached welcome letter from our new Headteacher.

We also welcome and encourage telephone calls on 01702 560904 to register an interest or to find out more about the school and the role. If you wish to arrange an informal conversation or visit to the school prior to interview, we would be delighted to welcome you to KES prior to the closing date, to offer you the opportunity to get a real sense of the school first hand.

To arrange a visit, please email your request to Mrs Andrea Atkins - HR Manager at recruitment@kes.essex.sch.uk and provide your availability, as well as a contact telephone number.

The King Edmund School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments will be subject to a satisfactory completion of safeguarding checks.

The King Edmund School is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We'll consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage, or civil partnership.

Information about the School

The King Edmund School is a co-educational comprehensive school for students aged 11 to 19. KES, as it is better known to staff and students, is an Ofsted rated ‘Good’ single academy trust in Rochford, Essex, which serves a geographically and socially diverse area.

In the school's last Ofsted report in 2024, KES was awarded ‘Good’ and their values and ethos were clearly recognised in the findings. Students learn a well-designed and balanced curriculum that meets their needs and teachers have strong subject knowledge.

The school's values foster a supportive environment where everyone is encouraged to achieve their Personal Best. High aspirations, academic success, and a commitment to excellence are promoted. The inclusive community celebrates diversity, ensuring all students feel valued and respected. A safe, caring space is provided for students to grow, taking pride in their achievements both inside and outside of school.

Phase one of a multi-million-pound project to renovate the school, part of the Department of Education’s Rebuilding Schools for the Future initiative, is set to open in September 2025. The new two-storey building will feature 17 general classrooms, Art and Technical rooms, as well as new office space, meeting rooms, and a modern school hall, providing state-of-the-art facilities for students to learn in. Phase two begins this year and will redevelop the remainder of the school site over the next few years.

The school provides exceptional pastoral care and SEND provision through its dedicated teams, who are committed to helping students achieve their best results. With a traditional approach to uniform, behaviour, and work, the school maintains high standards while also prioritizing strong support for students and actively involving parents in these aspects of school life.

Students are rewarded for their achievements, inside and outside of school, through a House system. Each July those students who have displayed the most effort and progress over the past year are celebrated at an Awards Evening held at the prestigious Cliffs Pavilion in Southend. The school also takes part in the Jack Petchey Achievement Awards scheme.

Sixth Form students have their own block with a common room, canteen and IT Suite. Students have the choice of studying A levels, Level 2 and 3 vocational courses, as well as a T level in Education and Early Years.

Staff strive for every student to have high aspirations and they are relentless in their drive to support students to achieve well academically. However, their deeper passion is for all students, regardless of their ability, to reach their full potential.

Students leave KES ready to embrace the next chapter of their young lives, whether that be studying a degree at a Russell Group university when they leave Sixth Form, or starting an apprenticeship when they leave at the end of Year 11.

In the next academic year, KES will have facilities amongst the finest in the country and certainly nothing comparable locally, a huge incentive for both new staff and students to join the school.

To find out more about Life@KES, please visit our Social Media pages:

www.facebook.com/thekingedmundschool

www.instagram.com/thekingedmundschool