Founding Head - The 1729 Maths School

New independent maths school for ages 11-18, offering co-educational day and boarding provision. Dedicated to maths excellence and with significant funding for bursaries to attract the very best pupils.

From September 2025

Applications are invited for the post of Founding Head of this unique school, which will open in September 2026. As the UK’s first specialist maths school that has provision across ages 11–18, The 1729 Maths School is one of the most exciting developments in UK maths education. The 1729 Maths School will become known for its exceptional provision and pupil achievement, and it will offer a full range of bursaries so that any pupil, irrespective of family income, can attend and thrive. The 1729 Maths School’s curriculum will develop world-class mathematical talent, and be delivered in a challenging, supportive and inspiring environment, alongside the full national curriculum. Nowhere else in the UK will pupils be able to spend as much time immersed in maths alongside like-minded peers.

The Founding Head will develop and build a well-renowned school that is part of an exciting partnership between Mill Hill School, a leading co-educational day and boarding school in North London, and Purposeful Ventures, a not-for-profit organisation, working towards a fairer society where all young people thrive. The project has been initiated and is being funded by Alex and Elena Gerko, who are major supporters of UK maths education and research.

We seek to appoint an exceptional educator and passionate mathematician to identify, nurture and develop some of the ablest young mathematicians in the UK. Ahead of the school opening in September 2026, the Founding Head will work with all project partners to set The 1729 Maths School up for success. They will establish the school’s culture and lead on curriculum development, pupil admissions and outreach, and recruiting a team of inspirational educators. As well as a demonstrable passion for maths, the successful candidate will have experience of teaching high-attaining young mathematicians, be an excellent communicator, and have experience of team leadership, for example as a Head of Maths, Assistant Head, Deputy Head or Headteacher.

Set in 120 acres of beautiful grounds, Mill Hill is recognised for its emphasis on pupil happiness and excellence, offering expert teaching, exceptional pastoral care and a wide range of co-curricular activities. Operating as a ‘school within a school’, The 1729 Maths School will be responsible for all maths and maths-related provision for the school’s pupils. Pupils will be integrated into the broader community of Mill Hill School and Belmont, MillHill Prep, who will provide the secondary school curriculum outside of maths, and all co- curricular provision.

Salary will be highly competitive, and accommodation is available for the successful candidate (and their family, if applicable). Other benefits include pension scheme and life assurance, optional discounted private medical cover, fee concessions for the Founding Head’s children, free onsite parking and lunch, cycle to work scheme and discounted membership at our school gym and swimming pool.

Applications are welcome from both the state and independent school sectors, as well from mathematicians based in universities or other settings.

Further information about the role and details of how to apply can be found at: www.rsacademics.com

Potential candidates wishing to discuss the post confidentially are invited to contact:

• Jenny Funnell, Search Consultant: jennyfunnell@rsacademics.com
• Andy Rattue, Senior Advisor: andrewrattue@rsacademics.com
• Claire Oulton, Head of Leadership Appointments: claireoulton@rsacademics.com

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 11 March 2025, 10.00am UK time

RSAcademics is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.

The Mill Hill Education Group is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children. As part of our Recruitment Checks, the appointed candidate will be subject to a Social Media and Enhanced DBS Check. The schools apply for an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for all positions at the schools which amount to regulated activity. The role you are applying for meets the legal definition of regulated activity with children.

If you are successful in your application you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form. Employment with the schools is conditional upon the schools being satisfied with the result of the Enhanced DBS Disclosure. Any criminal records information that is disclosed to the schools will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or code of practice published by the DBS. It is an offence for person barred from working with children to apply for this post.

The Mill Hill Education Group is committed to Equal Opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Successful applicants will also be expected to keep up to date with annual safeguarding training, DfE guidance and School specific safeguarding information.