Specialism overview
Most British-curriculum schools follow the National Curriculum through Key Stage 3 and then IGCSE, with A Level Mathematics and sometimes Further Mathematics at post-16. IB schools run Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation.
Because students join from many different systems, diagnostic assessment and targeted intervention are a normal part of the job.
Typical international-school context
Parental expectations around mathematics tend to be high, and schools often run additional support or extension provision. Familiarity with mastery approaches, problem-solving pedagogy or examination technique work is generally welcome.
Relevant qualifications
- A mathematics degree or a degree with substantial mathematical content
- PGCE or an equivalent recognised teacher training route
- Qualified Teacher Status where required
- Experience with IGCSE, A Level or IB mathematics specifications
Experience schools may value
- Teaching Further Mathematics or higher-level IB
- Supporting students who are new to English-medium mathematics
- Running enrichment such as competitions or olympiad preparation
- Data-informed intervention and tracking
Preparing your CV
International schools read a lot of CVs, so make the mathematics detail easy to find. Lead with your current role, then set out the curriculum, year groups and qualifications you have taught, and keep the formatting plain so it survives being forwarded as a PDF.
- Name the curriculum and examination boards you have worked with
- Give year groups or key stages rather than vague phase descriptions
- Include leadership, mentoring or coordination responsibilities
- Mention relevant professional development and accreditation
- Keep it to two pages and avoid photographs or personal identifiers you do not need to share
Interview preparation
Most international recruitment starts with an online interview, often followed by a task, a recorded lesson or a live teaching activity. Schools want to see how you think about learning, not a rehearsed script.
Prepare examples that show impact over time: a group you moved forward, a scheme of work you rebuilt, a pastoral situation you handled well. Have questions ready about curriculum, timetable, support staffing and induction, because thoughtful questions read as professionalism.