Head of Maths

[ThatDenimSheep]

I have taken on this role since November. This is a role that I have always wanted to do, however, it’s only for a small period of time as the head of Maths will eventually be returning from her maternity leave.

I had some questions that I was hoping someone here could support me with:

1. I would like to do this role going forwards, stepping down just feel like a regression, and I have really worked in this small frame of time to drive changes and develop things departmentally, will other schools be willing to consider me as a HOD with this level of experience
2. Realistically, when should I apply. I’ve seen a few roles but I’m worried what my school will think when I start applying
3. I’m panicking because I know I’ll be up against people better than me
4. I also asked the school to provide me with a written contract stating I was taking over the role temporarily. But they haven’t done this yet, is it something I should keep asking for, or just leave it?

Also, when I say above that I was worried what my school would think, it’s primarily because I joined in September, so I have not been here long.

Why do you think other candidates will be better?
You joined in September but how long have you been teaching for?

Probably imposter syndrome! I have been teaching for 5.5 years.

The role was only temporary to begin with - it’s always a 50/50 with maternity covers if the permanent post holder will return.

Schools would definitely consider you - you’ve got recent relevant experience and now is the best time to be applying for these roles ready for a September start. When does your FT contract end?

Imposter syndrome often gets the better of us sometimes but just remember… you were appointed into this HoD position so there’s no reason as to why you’re not a credible candidate for another school? Maths is a popular subject; the only downside I’d say is that there could be a vacancy but a very strong internal…. BUT don’t let that put you off. As a HT, I’ve always appointed the best candidate EVEN when I know that the internal candidate is very strong. Visit the school before applying, get your face and name known. That’ll give you some ‘credibility’.

The contract should have been issued when or just after you started. Why do you need it now? A reference will clarify your position.

Good Luck OP!

You should definitely start applying for September. Really highlight your skills and experience from your current role (and any relevant previous ones). Schools will definitely consider you.

Completely get the imposter syndrome! I have it too! But, to give you some hope...

I was 2i/c at my previous school for 2 years and then covered the HoD maternity leave. I applied for a HoD role at another school.

Went to interview- there were 5 of us. One had been a HoD and was currently acting AHT, one was a current HoD, one had been a HoD, stepped down while his kids were young and was looking to go back up. The final candidate worked in another of the Trust schools and knew the head well.

I honestly thought I had absolutely no chance what so ever!! I got the job though!!! I was absolutely stunned but it just shows that you never know! You might have competition but you can absolutely be the person they are looking for.

Good luck!

The role officially started in January. I took over slightly earlier in November as essentially it was an at risk pregnancy so she was unable to be at work so they negotiated lesser days for her but on those days I was having to step up. But it then just transpired that she was allowed to complete things as a WFH HOD role but it just wasn’t working so she came back in but again it was very up and down between November and January. By January I took over but I felt like I did a shit job because I just can’t properly get in and fix everything. Even now I don’t feel things are where they need to be.

My issue is that schools may think, he’s only given this from Jan to April and he barely even had proper experience. Again I know what I can do and what I bring and would really love to do this long term but I can’t think of anything worse than having to go through a role change and pay drop again. While it could be 50/50 I need to err on the side of caution!

I have seen 2 roles I like the look of but am I starting to apply too soon. Is Jan- April really enough time as an official hod? I also saw an LP role which looked fantastic but I don’t know if that’s too ambitious!

I am panicking because if I leave this until September for Jan starts they may not be what I want.

Thank you for your reply!
I will do my best to highlight my skills but as mentioned before is Jan- April providing me with any skill or tangible results. That is what worries me.

I keep trying to believe in myself and I know exactly what I would like to bring to the right school but again I worry they’ll look at my application and think, really?

See for me, I am looking for a permanent HOD role and that’s how I’m trying to frame it when I have to tell the school.

My biggest worry is, if I keep thinking I’ll leave for a Jan start I know recruitment dwindles. But if I give it a September start, again the worry is that my school will think, oh, she’s off already?

Again I just know I need to do what is best but I’m very torn! I also saw an LP role but I wonder if that may be a little too ambitious! What are your thoughts?

By LP role do you mean Lead Practitioner? That would be just below HoD level in many schools, but a significant TLR. Could be a good step before HoD if you feel you don't yet have the experience to be appointed to a permanent role.

Rome wasn’t built in a day. It will take time. Can you not delegate any tasks out to other teachers to help you with the fix? There will be teachers in the department probably who want more opportunities for development. Use them.

I still do this now as a HT and delegate stuff to my deputies who are aspiring HTs. They need to get the experience, the point I’m making is that don’t just do everything yourself. It won’t work!

If you highlight that it is a maternity cover then that will answer any questions. It will be clear to them that you are looking for a permanent post. Reading between the lines I’m guessing you stepped up as opposed to joining the school temp?

I don’t think it’s too soon - I would apply and see what happens. You applied for the current position without HoD experience? LP role is below a HoD role so I mean you could apply if you fancy it and see what happens.

I definitely wouldn’t be leaving it until September.

Sorry, no thats not what I meant. I meant AP, my friend has just been appointed as an LP so i had my acronyms mixed. Im so sorry!

It was an AP curriculum role. Again if I’m reaching by even trying I’m happy to be told. I don’t want to look a fool when I tell my school what I’m applying for!

Sadly, the department is not as cohesive as I hoped. I take a significant amount on! When I delegate I’ve had pushback which when raised with SLT is pushed back so for me I feel my only option is to look elsewhere. I’ve never considered leaving a school as quickly.

I was appointed the role as I made it clear in interview I was looking for progression so the HT sat me down and asked if I would consider it. I said yes with no hesitation.

also I’m sorry I meant AP and not LP!

So, you are dissatisfied with how your interim HOD job is going because the department isn’t cohesive and SLT keep handing it back to you when the department don’t toe your line? What sorts of changes are you making? Were you asked to shake up the department whilst your actual HOD is out on maternity or are you meant to be a caretaker for an already decent department?