Salary:
Competitive salary plus benefits
Job type:
Full Time, Permanent
Start date:
September 2025
Apply by:
5 February 2025
Job overview
Sydenham High School is looking for a well-qualified, enthusiastic and dynamic teacher to lead our thriving Mathematics department.
As Head of Maths, you will oversee the smooth running of the department, leading with assurance and clarity on teaching, learning and innovation within Mathematics, including Further Mathematics. Your inspirational leadership will facilitate the further development of this dynamic department, maintaining the high academic expectations of our school and contributing significantly to our community.
You will be a passionate individual, who is strongly motivated to make themselves an active part of this thriving community. With a strong track record of maths teaching up to and including A Level, you will demonstrate excellent subject and professional knowledge. You will also possess strong leadership and decision-making skills, including experience in a management role (e.g. as Deputy Head of Department).
The Mathematics Department
The Mathematics Department at Sydenham High is a vibrant department, based in four dedicated classrooms centred around the Maths Office. Maths is a popular subject across the school, including A Level, where students can study both Mathematics and Further Mathematics.
Pupils in all years are entered for the UK Maths Challenge, and in recent years we have had pupils reach later rounds, including the qualifying round for the UK Maths Olympiad. The department organises very popular daily Maths Help clinics and trips to relevant lectures are arranged. Laptops are provided and used by all members of the Department and, in addition, a variety of bookable digital devices are available.
Why Sydenham High School?
Established in 1887, Sydenham High is an independent day school for girls aged 4-18 with over 740 pupils. The school is part of the Girls' Day School Trust, the leading and largest group of independent girls' schools in the UK. The GDST is at the forefront of education for girls and has a strong voice in promoting opportunities for young women.
Sydenham High is a selective school with a mission to ensure that every girl reaches her full academic potential. Our rich and diverse curriculum, with a full range of subjects as well as excellent enrichment provision outside of lessons, enables our students to develop the skills and personal attributes to prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of an ever-changing society.
We are ambitious and forward thinking, looking to ensure our school continues to offer an outstanding education to our young people as well as the very best in pastoral care. Tolerance and mutual respect are a cornerstone of our ethos alongside an education which delivers a contemporary, innovative understanding of what it means to educate the ‘whole child’.
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package and a strong professional development programme. These benefits include:
* Competitive salaries and pay progression
* Access to extensive professional development opportunities
* Training grants for qualifications
* Generous pension schemes
* Free school lunches
* Financial guidance and support
* Retail and lifestyle discounts
* A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
To apply, please click the apply button.
The closing date for applications is 9:00am on Wednesday 5th February 2025.
We reserve the right to interview at any point during the recruitment process, so early applications are encouraged. References for candidates invited to interview will be taken before the interview.
If you have any queries about the role, please contact
hr@syd.gdst.net
.
The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included.
The GDST is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including online searches, checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
About Sydenham High School GDST
* Sydenham High School GDST
* 19 Westwood Hill
* London
* SE26 6BL
* United Kingdom
+44 20 8557 7000
Sydenham High School is a mainstream, independent, all-through girls' school with sixth form, situated in Lewisham, south-east London. The school caters for over 750 students aged 4-18.
Sydenham High School was founded in 1887 by the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), the leading group of independent girls’ schools in the UK. The Senior and Prep Schools have their own grounds located minutes apart and an 8 acre sportsground, used by all pupils, is a 20-minute drive from the school.
Head
Antonia Geldeard
Mission, vision and values
Our purpose
We aim to inspire the future generations of creators, independent thinkers and trailblazers. We open eyes and hearts by educating the whole person: to balance mind, body and soul. Our diversity of academic and enrichment opportunities enables every girl to forge her own path, strive to be her best and excel. We seek to empower every girl to discover and nurture her unique talents whether in the classroom, the laboratory, the library, the studio, the field, the water, the community or beyond.
We believe that educating the whole person leads to happy, confident and courageous children who flourish and make a positive difference to their community.
Our values
Courage and character: With our school motto at the fore, (‘Nyle ye drede’, ‘Fear nothing’), we aim to foster in every girl the strength of character and courage to discover and pursue her own path.
Curiosity for learning: We seek to empower every girl to learn without limits, cultivating an intellectual and creative mindset through an inspiring and joyful approach to education.
Culture of kindness: We focus on developing a happy and respectful community with strong relationships, prioritising every child’s wellbeing and celebrating diversity.
Generosity of spirit: We aspire to be outward looking, giving back, taking on leadership and having a positive impact.
The school motto, Nyle ye Drede, (‘Fear Nothing’), lies at the heart of all Sydenham High does. A Sydenham High education is centred upon the pupil, where academic excellence and pastoral excellence go hand in hand. The school actively encourages pupils to step outside their comfort zones, developing both independence of mind and the courage to take risks. This mentality is fostered throughout the school, allowing every pupil to develop academic enthusiasm, an enquiring mind and the ability and awareness to stand up for what is right.
Sydenham High School emphasises the importance of a broad curriculum complemented by a bespoke co-curricular offering. The school delivers an education that goes beyond the classroom, through a range of additional academic programmes, lunchtime societies, local and international trips and in-school events. These allow pupils to make connections between topics and apply their learning to real life.
ISI report
“Pupils make rapid progress and achieve excellent results. Pupils develop high levels of self-confidence and the inner strength needed to succeed, as a result of an understanding not to fear failure. Their sense of responsibility to themselves, their school and the wider community is highly developed.”
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