job description

Co-op Academies Trust is proud to introduce an innovative, high-incentive pathway into secondary mathematics education: the Graduate Maths Excellence Specialist programme. Backed by the Maths Excellence Fund, this role is designed specifically for high-achieving graduates who want to bridge the attainment gap for disadvantaged pupils while building a long-term career in educational leadership.

This is a two-year, salaried “unqualified teacher” contract that provides a direct, supported bridge into formal teacher training and future leadership roles within the Trust.

Role Overview

Salary: £37,101 (plus a scheduled pay award in September 2026)
Contract: Full-time, 2-year Fixed Term (Unqualified Teacher status)
Location: Academy-based in Stoke or Bebington
Start Date: 1st September 2026
Closing Date: 13th March 2026
Interviews: 20th or 23rd March 2026

Key Responsibilities

Academic Interventions: Work primarily with high-attaining pupils to stretch their capabilities and ensure they achieve top-tier results.
Masterclasses & Enrichment: Design and deliver maths masterclasses and enrichment activities that go beyond the standard curriculum.
Progression to Teaching: Begin by supporting small groups and gradually transition into leading whole-class instruction as your confidence and skills grow.
Community Impact: Specifically support pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to overcome barriers to learning and raise their long-term aspirations.

The Career Pathway

This programme is a structured, four-year journey toward becoming a leader in mathematics education:

Years 1–2: Serve as a Graduate Excellence Specialist on a competitive salary of £37,101.
Year 3: Guaranteed interview for the Co-op Academies Teacher Training Programme. Successful applicants continue on the same incentivised salary while gaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Year 4+: Transition into a Qualified Teacher role with a clear trajectory toward Trust leadership pathways.

What We Are Looking For

Passion for Maths: A strong degree in Mathematics or a related discipline with a high mathematical content.
Social Mission: A genuine desire to use education to improve the life chances of young people in the North of England.
Potential Leaders: We are looking for proactive, hard-working individuals who aspire to move into school leadership in the future.
Status: This role is for graduates without QTS.

Why Join Co-op Academies Trust?

Sponsored by the Co-op Group, our Trust operates 39 academies with a culture defined by our “Ways of Being”:

Succeed Together | Do What Matters Most | Be Yourself, Always | Show You Care

Colleague Benefits:

Financial: Teachers’ Pension Scheme, season ticket loans, and rental deposit loans.
Co-op Perks: 10% discount in Co-op food stores and access to the Co-operative Credit Union.
Lifestyle: Discounted Nuffield Health gym memberships and Merlin Entertainments discounts.
Wellbeing: Cycle to work scheme and family care advice.

Context: Mathematics Attainment and Disadvantage

The Maths Excellence Fund targets the “attainment gap” in the UK. Data from the Department for Education (2023) highlights the necessity of this role:

The Gap: Students from disadvantaged backgrounds are approximately 18 months behind their non-disadvantaged peers in Maths by the end of secondary school.
Higher Tier Success: Only about 15% of disadvantaged students achieve a Grade 7 or above in GCSE Maths, compared to roughly 30% of their peers.
The Goal: Your role as a specialist is to increase the number of disadvantaged students reaching these “Excellence” thresholds.

How to Apply

Submit Application: Via the Trust portal by March 13th.
Preference Form: After applying, complete the supplementary form to specify your preferred location (Stoke or Bebington).
Information Sessions: Email jay.timotheus@coopacademies.co.uk to join a virtual info session on Feb 25th or March 5th.

To apply for this job please visit www.tes.com.