Deputy Head of Department - Mathematics

About the role

Help shape the future of Maths in a school where we unlock every pupil’s potential. 

The Reach Free School is seeking a confident, inspirational and committed Deputy Head of Mathematics. 

As Deputy Head of Department, you will inspire our pupils to achieve their best while driving excellence across all age groups and abilities. You will bring a passion for Mathematics, a track record of excellent teaching, and the creativity and collaborative skills needed to create a vibrant and outstanding learning environment. Further information specific to this role is included in the application pack. 

Dates:  Apply by Monday 29th September 2025 at midday 

Location:  Rickmansworth

Contract type:  Full time 

Contract term:  Permanent

Salary: Academy Trust Scale, dependent on skills and experience (£34,562 to £54,764 plus an additional responsibilities payment of £4,828). The school also offers a recruitment and retention scheme equivalent to £7,000.

Start Date: January  2026

This is an excellent career opportunity offering valuable leadership and management experience, providing the ideal preparation for future middle or senior leadership roles.

The Reach Free School is looking for its middle leaders to: 

• Be outstanding practitioners who inspire pupils and colleagues
• Be creative in delivering a rigorous academic curriculum
• Believe that every child can and will succeed
• Be committed to securing the best outcomes for all pupils at the school, with an understanding of how data can be used to maximise progress
• Have a passion for education and be open to innovative approaches in everyday aspects of school life
• Be excited about helping to design and create every aspect of the school, including the curriculum, policies and the extended day programme
• Be flexible, collaborative and resilient
• Support and mentor colleagues who are training

In return, we will offer you: 

• The opportunity to be a key member of staff and help build on the school’s successes to date
• A happy and supportive working environment with high expectations and standards
• Access to the latest technology to assist in developing your teaching and learning
• Competitive salaries based on skills and experience
• Access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme
• A staff committee that organises various social events
• A comprehensive employee assistance programme
• A £500 new employee referral scheme
• Free parking
• A BUPA cash plan to contribute to medical care 
• A Cycle to Work Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Up to five days paid leave in compassionate, emergency or exceptional circumstances. For example, our staff can see their children perform in assemblies or shows.
• A network of outstanding practitioners to collaborate with and learn from, both in school and across the Watford Partnership for Teacher Training
• A comprehensive professional development programme together with opportunities to further develop your career

The Reach Free School is a successful secondary school which celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2023. The over-subscribed school is a popular choice for local families. The school has excellent modern facilities built in 2018 right in the heart of its community. If the challenges of working in a local secondary school appeal to you, then we would like to hear from you.

Further information is available from our website: www.thereachfreeschool.co.uk. 

Potential candidates are encouraged to contact The Reach Free School with any questions on 01923 711517 or via email to Mrs Keri McKay, HR Officer, kmckay@reachfree.co.uk.  

Closing date for applications: Monday 29th September 2025 at Midday

Interviews to take place: Thursday 2nd October 2025

Safer Recruitment

The Reach Free School is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment. To ensure we fulfil this responsibility, all candidates will undergo a thorough selection process designed to deter and identify unsuitable applicants. Details of this process are outlined below. Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Disclosure

This role involves significant access to children, and any appointment will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for previous criminal convictions. Candidates must disclose any convictions, cautions, or bind-overs, including ‘spent convictions’ as defined under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2013 and 2020), prior to appointment. Failure to disclose relevant information may result in termination of employment. However, a criminal background will not automatically exclude individuals from employment; each case will be considered based on the nature and timing of the offence(s).

Online searches 

Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) asks schools to carry out online searches on shortlisted candidates as part of the process of assessing suitability. The school will also carry out a prohibition from teaching check. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of your employment.