The Trustees of the University of Liverpool Maths School (ULMaS) have appointed Dan Vickery as the school’s next Headteacher. He will take up the post in September.
Dan joins ULMaS from Scarborough College, where he is currently Deputy Head (Curriculum). During his time there, he has led the academic curriculum and served both as Head of Mathematics and as the Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator.
Dan’s appointment follows a rigorous national recruitment process led by the Trust’s selection committee. Trustees were impressed by Dan’s clear vision for the future of the school, his commitment to its distinctive ethos, and his determination to build on its strong academic foundations.
Opened in 2020, ULMaS offers a specialised STEM-based curriculum, focusing on A Levels in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physics, alongside its own aspiring mathematician and personal and pastoral enrichment programmes.
It is recognised not only for academic excellence, but for its deep commitment to outreach and widening participation. The school works actively to address disadvantage and educational inequality by supporting mathematically talented young people from across the Liverpool City Region and beyond. Trustees emphasised that this mission remains central to the school’s identity and future direction.
Chair of Trustees Dr Kathleen Johnson said: “Dan has a strong understanding of the school’s special ethos and shares our commitment to academic rigour, inclusion and social mobility. We are confident that he will lead the school successfully through its next stage of development whilst protecting and strengthening the outreach work that is fundamental to the school’s purpose.”
Dan Vickery said: “I am honoured to have been appointed Headteacher. The school has an outstanding reputation and a unique role in expanding opportunities for young mathematicians. I look forward to working with students, staff and partners to build upon the strong foundations established by Damian Haigh. I will ensure that we continue to help young people pursue STEM careers and have a positive impact on their community and the wider world.”
Trustees also expressed their gratitude to the current Headteacher, Damian Haigh, who will retire at the end of the academic year, having founded the school . Damian led it to an Ofsted Outstanding judgement in 2024 and State Sixth Form College of the Year in 2026. He leaves behind an exceptional and dedicated staff team that he has recruited and developed, ensuring the school is well placed for its next phase, and he will remain a committed supporter of its future.