Post-16 GCSE/FSQ Mastery Specialist Programme

Following the success of the Primary and Secondary Mastery Specialist Programmes, Maths Hubs, working in conjunction with the NCETM, are now seeking applications from Further Education establishments that wish to nominate ‘lead teachers’ to take part in an important two-year professional development programme leading to the designation of Post-16 GCSE/FSQ Mastery Specialist. The programme is aimed at those who teach GCSE Mathematics resit and/or Functional Skills Qualifications (FSQs).

More information about Further Education Mastery Specialists can be found in the NCETM news item Mastery Specialists in GCSE Resit and Functional Skills.

What is involved?

Participating FE establishments will nominate a lead teacher to develop as a Mastery Specialist and follow a minimum two-year programme.

The programme has an initial training year, followed by a second year and beyond in which specialists support others. It equips participants with the knowledge and skills to develop highly effective approaches to the teaching of GCSE Maths resit and Functional Skills Maths, using the principles of teaching for mastery.

During the first year, the emphasis will be on the lead teacher developing their knowledge, understanding and skills of teaching for mastery in their own establishment.

Upon completion of the first year of the programme, participants will join a collaborative cohort of Mastery Specialists according to their provision type. Participants will continue to develop teaching for mastery approaches in their own institutions, working with their colleagues whilst being supported by peers in the collaborative cohort.

What are the benefits?

The benefits for FE establishments that apply to be part of the programme include:

• the department developing a curriculum informed by a clear set of principles, policies, practices and systems which support a Further Education teaching for mastery approach
• the teachers in the department (including the specialist) developing a deep understanding of the principles and pedagogies underpinning teaching for mastery, and acquiring enhanced maths subject knowledge with a particular emphasis on progression within key areas of maths
• the growth of teachers’ collaborative work, through which planning, teaching and assessment practices are developed
• the specialist developing their own understanding and practice in supporting collaborative professional development within and beyond their establishment
• the department making effective use of materials and resources to support the design of wellcrafted lessons.

What are the expectations?

Establishments that are selected to have their nominated teacher participate in the programme would
commit to the following expectations:

• the lead teacher will participate fully in the development programme and work on developing both understanding and practice
• working with the support of the subject leader, the lead teacher will support the department in developing its approach to teaching for mastery
• the FE establishment’s senior leadership will support the department in its teaching for mastery development work, including ensuring the lead teacher receives the required release time, and will also attend a half-day launch at the start of the programme.

Who can apply?

See below for the essential and desirable criteria for applicants to the programme. This should be evidenced in the application form, which includes both the applicant’s statement and the senior leader's statement.

Essential

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience teaching maths
• Employed as a teacher in a Further Education setting, regularly delivering maths to students who come under the Condition of Funding policy (GCSE Resit or Functional Skills maths or both)
• Good teaching skills in maths as evidenced by internal/external/Ofsted observation
• Passion and enthusiasm for improving student outcomes in mathematics
• Ability to work collaboratively with others
• Successful track record of working effectively with other professionals within own establishment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• An understanding of what constitutes effective learning in maths, and the ability and confidence to communicate this

Desirable 

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS)
• Additional status, e.g. Lead Practitioner; Mathematics SLE; NCETM Accredited PD Lead,
  CfEM PD or Action Research Lead
• Maths subject leader or responsibility within a maths department
• Experience of developing a department’s maths curriculum
• The ability to grow leadership capacity in others
• Experience of leading collaborative professional development

What is the cost?

The Programme is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to participating FE establishments. In 2026/27, the Maths Hub will cover the cost of the 15 days’ release time for the nominated lead teacher. 

In 2027/28, the Maths Hub will cover the cost of the 15 days’ release time for the lead teacher.