Primary

The Primary Mastery Specialist Programme, now recruiting for its 11th cohort, is for primary teachers with a passion for maths. In the first year of the programme, three residentials – one in each term – provide an opportunity to develop understanding of the Five Big Ideas of teaching for mastery in depth and to focus on the specialist subject knowledge required to design lessons that unfold the maths for all children. 

Between residentials, as a classroom teacher, specialists will be able to apply their learning to the context of their own classroom and school, reflecting with others what the impact of learning has been on pupils.

2025/26 will be the development year for the Cohort 11 teachers and their schools. Then in 2026/27 and beyond (subject to DfE funding), the Mastery Specialists will each lead Work Groups to develop, embed and sustain teaching for mastery for their Maths Hub. It is expected that the Mastery Specialist’s school becomes a leading exponent of teaching for mastery in this time, and so the school needs to ensure that it has the capacity and desire to take on and cultivate a teaching for mastery approach across the whole school.

Participants should be experienced primary practitioners with the capacity to lead change in their own schools, and to develop as leaders of professional development in other schools. They must be working in a school in England. 

What is the cost?

The Primary Mastery Specialist Programme is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to participating schools.

How can you find out more?

An information document for the programme can be found on the NCETM website: Primary Mastery Specialist Programme  

Before a teacher applies for the role, headteachers might find it useful to look at the NCETM website where there are school leader interviews with heads who have led the introduction of teaching for mastery in a school. Here Mastery Specialists discuss the benefits of the role for themselves, their schools and their pupils. 

How to Apply 

Applications for this programme are now closed for 2025/26

NCETM Professional Development Lead accreditation is designed for those who lead professional development for teachers of maths.

Who can take part?

These programmes are for expert teachers of maths (all phases from Early Years to post-16) who have existing commitments and responsibility for designing, leading and evaluating maths teacher professional development, and who will lead maths professional development beyond their own institution. Participants must be based at a school/institution in England.

An information document can be found on the NCETM website: Professional Development Lead Programme

What is involved?

The PD Lead Programme is designed for participants who are working with other teachers to enhance teaching and learning of maths. 

The programme consists of a blend of online and face-to-face activity equating to three days, and a
series of independent planning and study tasks to be completed in your setting, spread over the
academic year. You will be in a position where you have ownership of planning, leading and
evaluating a professional development programme for a group of teachers/practitioners. Your work on
the programme will be recorded and shared for accreditation purposes in a standardised document.

In partnership with the University of Chester, we are delighted to offer you the opportunity to further
develop your work from the PD Lead Programme to gain 60 Masters credits and a PG Certificate in
Educational Studies in Mathematics.
Further information about the time commitment, assignments and costs will be available later in the
year. Please indicate on the application form whether you are interested to know more about this
opportunity.

What will you learn?

Throughout the year you will:

• consider what constitutes effective PD and the role of the PD Lead in terms of planning,
executing and evaluating PD programmes
• consider some fundamental themes and issues in maths and the teaching of maths, and the
implications of these in the context of supporting other practitioners
• develop an understanding of the full range of potential outcomes of maths professional
development, including: knowledge, attitudes and dispositions; practice development; school
approaches/policies; pupil outcomes
• develop an understanding of effective models of maths professional development, the
rationale for using them, and the research evidence that supports them.

What is the cost?

The Professional Development Lead Programmes are fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so are free to participants and their schools.

How to Apply 

Applications for this programme are now closed for 2025/26

Who can take part?

The programme is for colleagues working with school and subject leaders to improve maths teaching and learning in a school or group of schools other than their own. Normally, participants will have previously completed the NCETM PD Lead Programme. Participants will be expected to commit to the full programme of activities and will need the support of the headteacher of their own school and/or their MAT. The programme is for teachers working in England only.

An information document can be found on the NCETM website: School Development Lead Programme

What is involved?

This programme is specifically designed to enable the leaders of maths school development to enhance leadership capacity and capability in the schools they support. It will provide regional support through workshops (face-to-face run regionally across England, and online), practice development activities, and an online community.

Participants design and lead a maths school development initiative, working with school and subject leadership. They must maintain a reflection and learning log, and a record of their initiative.

What will you learn?

During the programme you will:

• increase your awareness of the skills needed by a mathematics school development lead and
have a deeper self-awareness in relation to the role
• develop your knowledge of a range of mathematics school development domains and know
why, when and how to work within these effectively
• develop your knowledge and understanding of how to lead the implementation of a maths
school development process, with appropriate emphasis on working closely with senior and
subject leaders to:

– explore their setting’s needs
– prepare for and begin (at least) to deliver an evidence-informed approach, designed
to address a specified priority and to be sustainable beyond your involvement with the
school
– strengthen your knowledge of the evidence base that underpins school development
and change management.

What is the cost?

The School Development Lead Programme is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to participants and their schools. You must discuss your intended application with your Maths Hub before
applying, as you will need their support to sponsor your place on the programme.

How to Apply 

Applications for this programme are now closed for 2025/26

During the 2024/25 school year, Maths Hubs across England will be working with thousands of primary schools to continue the spread of teaching for mastery across England.

The Teaching for Mastery Programme is a professional development opportunity designed to support teachers like you to develop best practice in maths in your school. It is suitable for schools interested in implementing a teaching for mastery approach to maths.

What is involved?

Two teachers from each participating school join a Work Group, consisting of around six local primary schools. Each Work Group is led by a trained Primary Mastery Specialist. Work Groups meet regularly to plan, observe and discuss teaching for mastery. In between meetings, teachers explore mastery approaches in their own classrooms and across their school.

Support is provided from a local classroom-based Mastery Specialist who leads the group. This model of professional development involves hands-on learning and peer-to-peer support. It is evidence-based and designed to support substantial long-term change.

Who can take part?

This is for state-funded primary schools in England. Each school must send two teachers to half-termly school-based teacher research groups. Each term, the Mastery Specialist will visit each of the schools.

In 2024/25, those teaching in special schools will have an enhanced offer that will enable them to network with other schools in a similar context. 

What is the cost?

The Primary Teaching for Mastery Development Work Groups project is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to participating schools.

How to Apply

Applications are now closed for 2024/25. You can register your interest for 2025/26 here –

Expression of Interest 2025/26

The strategic goal of the Teaching for Mastery Programme for primary schools is to establish teaching for mastery approaches so that all pupils develop deep knowledge, understanding and confidence. Those who have worked on establishing teaching for mastery in a Development Work Group become part of an Embedding Work Group in their second year, focusing on systems and culture to support teaching for mastery as well as support for school leadership and subject leadership.

Who can take part?

This is for schools who have previously participated in a Development Work Group. All must show a strong commitment for embedding teaching for mastery approaches, and at least the lead teacher from the Development Work Group must have already started using mastery approaches. The school leadership team including the headteacher must also be involved, to ensure there is a whole school commitment.

What is involved?

Work Groups in this project will support schools to scale up teaching for mastery approaches from individual teachers’ classrooms, ensuring whole-school practices are consistently adopted. There are at least five workshops across the year, plus support from a Mastery Specialist.

What will you learn?

• You will enhance your mathematical subject knowledge, emphasising key areas of maths
• You will plan, teach and reflect on lessons with a mastery approach
• Your school leaders will understand the school-wide structures which enable staff to develop mastery approaches
• You and your school leaders will establish systems to support ongoing professional learning within school

What is the cost?

The Primary Teaching for Mastery – Embedding project is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to participating schools.

How to Apply

Applications are now closed for 2024/25. You can register your interest for 2025/26 here –

Expression of Interest 2025/26

This is for primary schools who have previously been involved in a Development or Embedding Work Group, or who are Mastery Specialist schools.

Who can take part?

Schools will have previously participated in a Development Work Group and might have received support for embedding mastery. Participating schools must show strong commitment from their leadership for sustaining mastery approaches, and for most teachers to have already started using these.

Each school will have a lead participant in the Work Group, normally the maths lead. At different points in the year, other teachers will also participate.

What is involved?

Sustaining Work Groups are a permanent form of support where schools can focus on continued improvement, consistency and refinement of teaching for mastery. Teachers, maths leads and headteachers are all involved, looking at collaborative planning and subject knowledge development. The expectation is that schools remain in a Sustaining Work Group for many years to come.

What will you learn?

• You and your school will enhance your mathematical subject knowledge, emphasising key areas of maths
• You and your school will plan, teach and reflect on lessons with a mastery approach
• You and your school will understand the school-wide structures which enable staff to develop mastery approaches
• You and your school leaders will establish systems to support ongoing professional learning within school

What is the cost?

The Primary Teaching for Mastery – Sustaining project is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to participating schools.

How to Apply

Applications are now closed for 2024/25. You can register your interest for 2025/26 here –

Expression of Interest 2025/26

What is involved?

This community is for schools who have already engaged in Mastering Number. One nominated Lead Teacher will receive support to make Mastering Number a permanent element of the school curriculum.

The Lead Teacher will engage in an online learning community and have continued access to all teaching materials, recording of central sessions, and sample teaching videos.

Who can take part?

This community is open to all previous Mastering Number at Reception and KS1 schools who are engaged in a 2024/25 Teaching for Mastery Work Group (or have a formal expression of interest in working with the hub on teaching for mastery in future years) who have not previously engaged in this community.

What will you learn?

• Your pupils will show confidence in exploring additive relationships
• Your pupils will make good progress towards the Early Learning Goals and year group expectations
• You will work with colleagues either in school or in a local school to better understand how the Mastering Number resources can enhance teaching
• You and your school leaders will build on the learning of the first year of involvement to embed and sustain the practice in future years

What is the cost?

The Mastering Number – Embedding the Impact community is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to participating schools.

How to Apply

Please note this is a one year community and cannot be repeated.

Applications are now closed for 2024/25. You can register your interest for 2025/26 here –

Expression of Interest 2025/26

Who can take part?

These programmes are designed for primary teachers who would like to develop their specialist knowledge for teaching maths. This may be particularly relevant for teachers that have moved phases or have not received maths-specific training.

What is involved?

This project is designed to improve the subject knowledge and pedagogical knowledge for all practitioners teaching and supporting the learning of primary maths.

There are two pathways: Number and Spatial Reasoning. Each pathway consists of the equivalent of four days, spread out over a minimum of two terms. Professional learning and practice development continue throughout, with participants implementing new ideas into their daily practice.

What will you learn?

• Your pupils will positively engage with maths that challenges them
• Your pupils will be able to explain their maths and their mathematical thinking using appropriate language
• You will identify pedagogical approaches that will enhance teaching and learning, and know how to plan for these
• You will enhance your maths subject knowledge with an emphasis on the key concepts in each mathematical area covered

What is the cost?

The SKTM Primary Teachers Programme is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to participating schools.

How to Apply

Applications are now closed for 2024/25. You can register your interest for 2025/26 here –

Expression of Interest 2025/26

Who can take part?

These programmes are designed for primary teaching assistants who are supporting maths, and who would like to develop their specialist knowledge for teaching maths. This may be particularly relevant for new TAs or TAs that have not received maths-specific training.

What is involved?

This project is designed to improve the subject knowledge and pedagogical knowledge for all practitioners supporting the learning of primary maths.

It supports primary teaching assistants who are supporting maths to develop specialist knowledge for teaching maths, to build on the primary maths National Curriculum, and to develop distinct pedagogical decision-making which will impact on their practice when supporting maths. It takes place over the equivalent of four days.

What will you learn?

• Your pupils will positively engage with maths that challenges them
• You will identify common misconceptions and ways of addressing these to help pupils master important concepts
• You will develop an understanding of key principles and approaches associated with teaching for mastery

What is the cost?

The SKTM Primary Teaching Assistants Programme is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to participating schools.

How to Apply 

Applications are now closed for 2024/25. You can register your interest for 2025/26 here –

Expression of Interest 2025/26

Who can take part?

Phase 1 in this project is for those identified as Early Career Teachers – teachers in their first or second year of teaching. This is a two year Programme and participants will progress on to Phase 2 in their second year. 

What is involved?

This programme offers high-quality subject knowledge and pedagogy maths support for ECTs, recognising the requirements of the ECF. It strikes a balance between developing teachers’ maths subject knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge, alongside classroom practice to support the learning of maths. Participants will attend the equivalent of up to four days of sessions, focusing between sessions on the use of tasks in the classroom.

What will you learn?

• Your pupils will be seen to elaborate when responding to questions, showing that their answer stems from a secure understanding
• You will evaluate and adapt existing resources to enable them to be used to meet the needs of pupils
• You will develop an understanding of approaches to assess pupils’ prior learning, so that learning sequences are planned to take this into account

What is the cost?

The SKTM Primary Early Career Teachers Programme is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to participating schools.

How to Apply

Applications are now closed for 2024/25. You can register your interest for 2025/26 here –

Expression of Interest 2025/26

This project aims to secure firm foundations in the development of good number sense for all children from Reception through to Year 1 and Year 2. The aim over time is that children will leave KS1 with fluency in calculation and a confidence and flexibility with number. Attention will be given to key knowledge and understanding needed in Reception classes, and progression through KS1 to support success in the future.

 Who can take part?

Lead participants from Work Group schools will be three teachers – one each from Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 – known as Lead Teachers. Some support will also be given to subject leaders and headteachers. Where appropriate, Lead Teachers are expected to support the other teachers in their year group. This programme and its Work Groups are open to all schools that have not yet engaged with the Mastering Number Programme.

 What is involved?

This programme focuses on the key knowledge and understanding needed in Reception classes, and progression through KS1. Participating schools will receive central training (online and face-to-face) and a wealth of pupil-facing resources. The resources available provide teaching materials for four short sessions each week, aimed at developing children’s fluency and flexibility with number. Lead Teachers in schools will also contribute to an online community to share practice and engage in critical reflection.

 What will you learn?

Your pupils will develop and demonstrate good number sense

You will develop a secure understanding of how to build firm mathematical foundations

You will work to develop intentional teaching strategies focused on developing fluency in calculation and number sense for all children

You will develop understanding and use of appropriate manipulatives to support your teaching of mathematical structures

 What is the cost?

The Mastering Number Programme is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to participating schools.

 How to Apply

Applications are now closed for 2024/25. You can register your interest for 2025/26 here –

Expression of Interest 2025/26

What is involved?

Knowledge of multiplication and division and its applications forms the single most important aspect of the KS2 curriculum, and is the gateway to success at secondary school. This project enables pupils in Years 4 and 5 to develop fluency in multiplication and division facts, and a confidence and flexibility with number that exemplifies good number sense.

Professional development materials will be provided to cover five short sessions a week, with participants expected to support colleagues in their year groups to use the resources with all Year 4 and 5 classes.

Who can take part?

This project is for schools that are involved in Mastering Number at Reception and KS1 AND are also in a Sustaining Work Group.

Lead participants from Work Group schools will be two teachers – one from each of Year 4 and Year 5. Support will also be given to maths leads and headteachers.

What will you learn?

• Your pupils in KS2 will develop automaticity in multiplication and division facts through regular practice
•  You will develop an understanding of how pupils progress in their knowledge and understanding of multiplicative concepts
• You will work as part of a professional learning community to refine your practice
• You and your school leaders will develop Mastering Number at KS2 as part of the curriculum in Years 4 and 5

What is the cost?

The Mastering Number at KS2 Work Groups are fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so are free to participating schools.

How to Apply

Applications are now closed for 2024/25. You can register your interest for 2025/26 here –

Expression of Interest 2025/26