Westminster Under School - Maths Teacher (one-term sabbatical cover)

Summary

We are currently seeking to fill the position of Maths Teacher (one-term sabbatical cover).

Detail

Required for: April 2026 to July 2026
Location: Vincent Square - Westminster Under School
Contract: full-time, temporary (one-term sabbatical cover)
Salary: Westminster Under School has its own salary scale, and new members of staff are placed at a point relevant to their qualifications and experience. Details of salary will be discussed at interview with those candidates who are shortlisted.

The deadline for applications is midday on Monday 19th January 2025. Interviews will take place in-person shortly after the closing date.

We are looking for a bright, caring and enthusiastic individual with a genuine passion for Maths who would be able to cover maths teaching at Westminster Under School for the summer term 2026. The successful candidate will teach Years 5 – 8 and ideally have experience of teaching up to Common Entrance level.

Westminster Under School is a busy, passionate and purposeful place, where pupils greatly enjoy the activities of learning and are given the support and guidance they need to develop as intelligent, compassionate and inquisitive individuals. Maths is extremely important within the School and pupils, who work far beyond their chronological age, attach great importance to their achievements in the subjects.

Highlights of the Maths department include entry to national competitions such as the UKMT Junior Mathematical Challenge, the Intermediate Mathematical Challenge for pupils in Years 7 and 8 (and younger rising stars) and the Primary Maths Challenge for pupils in Years 5 and 6. External speakers, such as Rob Eastaway and Simon Singh regularly come to the School to speak to pupils and our “Maths Hat” tends to have dozens, if not hundreds, of entrants each week. Pupils also enjoy expanding their knowledge outside the formal curriculum – we celebrate Pi Day and there is a code-breaking course for pupils in Year 8 which includes an annual trip to Bletchley Park.

Reporting directly to the Head of Maths, they will:

• Plan, prepare, teach and evaluate lessons, activities, learning and teaching strategies in line with Schemes of Work 
• Work collaboratively with colleagues within the Maths department, delivering a high level of teaching and smooth running of the department
• Provide a safe, secure and stimulating environment in which consideration is given to the individual development of all pupils
• Differentiate learning and teaching and associated resources in a manner that challenges and interests the pupils and is appropriate to their needs and skill levels
• Assist in other areas outside of formal lessons, such as running Maths Problem of the Week, helping with support clinics and with the running of external competitions.
• Apply any recommendations and guidance for pupils with specific learning or welfare needs or disabilities, as directed by the SENCO, or on the pupil’s personalised learning plan
• Apply, where appropriate, technological capability to enhance learning and teaching
• Contribute to and maintain consistency with internal and relevant external marking schedules and moderation procedures
• Engage pupils fully in the assessment and self-evaluation process
• Carry out a range of formative assessments of pupils’ attainment to acknowledge and inform progress
• Record and report on pupil progress and achievements in accordance with the School’s requirements, including formal reporting points such as parents’ evenings and written reports

Pastoral Care and Pupil Management

• Put pupils at the centre of everything you do, taking a pastoral interest in pupils around the school, so that they feel valued and cared for
• Take the role of Form Tutor or Form Support Tutor within a year group
• Monitor the welfare of class pupils, providing guidance, advice and support, and fostering self-esteem
• Motivate pupils through praise, while being firm but fair
• Actively maintain the high standards of behaviour and uniform of pupils in the classroom and in all school locations and activities
• Write and maintain relevant records for individual pupil files and the writing of reports
• Communicate, respond to and consult with parents on a regular basis, maintaining records, as appropriate
• Communicate and consult with other departments or members of staff to implement recommendations, policies or guidance

All teachers and other staff are expected to:

• Promote and support the School’s Aims and Vision and School Development Plan
• Adhere to and support the School’s policies and procedures
• Accept responsibility for the welfare and care of all pupils, at all times
• Undertake break and supervisory duties as designated by the Senior Management Team
• Cover classes for absent colleagues as directed by Senior Management Team
• Attend staff meetings, parents’ evenings and other meetings and school events, such as the Carol Service and school concerts, outside normal hours
• Attend relevant school trips, normally including one residential visit per year
• Engage positively in and contribute to INSET activities offered by the School
• Be involved in new initiatives within the School as part of ongoing professional development
• Take an active interest in maintaining subject knowledge, learning networks and current educational research

Whilst every effort has been taken to provide a comprehensive list of responsibilities, the post holder may be asked to complete other duties which could be considered relevant to the role, as directed by the Master.

Westminster Under School has its own salary scale, and new members of staff are placed at a point relevant to their qualifications and experience. Details of salary will be discussed at interview with those candidates who are shortlisted.

Working at Westminster Under School

Westminster Under School is a busy, purposeful and vibrant place to be and an excellent workplace. The community is made up of around 292 pupils, 43 teaching staff and 50 support staff.

Westminster Under School is a friendly and welcoming place to work. There is a real sense of community here and staff members quickly become part of the rhythm of life, both inside and outside the classroom. Social events are regular and varied, with plenty of opportunity to socialise outside working hours. Support staff as much as teaching staff are encouraged to embrace the School’s day-to-day activities, whether that be attending a concert or a sports fixture.

At Westminster we will always select the best candidate for every position. We do know, however, that we can only truly choose the best person on every occasion if a broad and diverse pool of candidates see the job advertised and are encouraged to apply.

As such, we continue to work on how our job roles are encountered, and particularly welcome applications from groups who have traditionally been underrepresented here.

Westminster Under School is for everyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic. We hope you are encouraged to apply.

The School

Westminster Under School is a happy, ambitious, nurturing and inspiring world-class preparatory education for seven to 13 year olds. Pupils who love to learn are offered a supportive, dynamic and inspirational environment to fuel their curiosity. 

Located in the heart of London, the School overlooks the beautiful school playing fields in Vincent Square and is just a few moments’ walk from Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. It is closely connected to Westminster School; in 1943, Westminster expanded its educational scope by forming the Under School, and the two schools share the same Governing Body and the same ethos of a liberal education. 

Westminster Under School's curriculum is broad and diverse, aiming to foster a sense of wonder and inquisitiveness in children and encourage independent thought. The teaching programme goes above and beyond the National Curriculum and teachers are not tightly bound by syllabus. Pupils are taught a wide range of subjects by expert teachers who embrace opportunities for growth and promote diverse thinking, and who encourage them to ask questions about the world around them. 

While the School's standard of our education is of the highest quality, the School’s focus is not only on academic achievement. Westminster pupils receive a full and rounded education that includes sport, the arts and many opportunities to engage in community outreach; pupils frequently take part in concerts, plays and in both internal and external competitions, and the School hosts festivals and events throughout the year. Like its older counterpart, Westminster Under School is fully committed to each pupil’s spiritual, moral, emotional and physical development and wellbeing – with a particular emphasis on drawing out individual talent wherever it lies – and to prepare young people for fulfilled private and public lives.

From September 2026, Westminster Under School will have opened its brand new pre-prep for girls and boys at 4+ and girls will have joined boys in Years 3 and 7, at the 7+ and 11+ entry points. By 2030, with the introduction of girls into Year 9 at Westminster School in 2028, all year groups across the two schools, from ages four to 18, will be fully co-educational, reflecting the School’s dedication to inclusivity and excellence. 

Documents

• WUS Teacher of Maths (one-term sabbatical)- person specification PDF Document