Being the leader of Mathematics in any school comes with a certain set of duties and demands. "Leading Maths" by Peter Mattock is an excellent resource for maths leaders, regardless of experience level.

The book dives into fundamental topics such as performance management, inspection strategy, improvement plan creation, and team leadership. Instead of merely regurgitating theories of leadership, the book provides practical, real-world guidance gained from real experience. The fact that he doesn't downplay the challenges and the hazards that maths leaders may face is especially beneficial.

Every chapter is organised for convenience and ends with useful takeaways that highlight the main ideas covered. "Leading Maths" offers much to offer whether you're new to leadership or looking for fresh viewpoints to revitalise your present strategy. This is an essential resource since it focuses on the unique pressures maths leaders confront.

The intended audience:

New mathematics department heads

Aspiring mathematics leaders

Experienced mathematics leaders searching for new ideas and strategies

School leaders who want to better understand the world of the mathematics department

All things considered, "Leading Maths" is a highly recommended book for anyone starting out as a maths lead in both primary and secondary school.

What the book covers

The publisher describes these maths-specific themes:

  • why leading maths differs from other subjects: abstract content, and parents and pupils who see maths as important yet think it acceptable to be "no good" at it
  • day-to-day issues, especially results and accountability, and handling difficult situations
  • the longer-term view: working with the team to develop high-quality maths teaching for all pupils
  • managing an inspection, writing improvement plans and running appraisal
  • moving from leading maths in one school into system leadership

It also includes contributions from other maths leaders: Becky Lawrence on leading primary maths, Jemma Sherwood on leading maths across a large multi-academy trust, and Rhiannon Rainbow and Dave Tushingham on adapting curriculum and CPD during the COVID pandemic, including the start of their maths book club. Each chapter ends with a summary of key points.

The inspection chapter predates Ofsted's renewed framework and report cards (November 2025).

About the book

  • Full title: Leading Maths: The essential guide for new and aspiring maths leaders.
  • Author: Peter Mattock, who has taught and led maths for over twenty years and leads secondary maths subject and curriculum training for the Leicester and Leicestershire SCITT; a specialist leader of education trained in teaching for mastery with the NCETM (publisher biography).
  • Publisher: Crown House Publishing. Paperback, November 2023, 143 pages.
  • ISBN: 9781785836978.

Source: Crown House Publishing listing, checked 13 October 2026.