Background

Since 2014, the NCETM and Maths Hubs have been working together to develop approaches to teaching for mastery within primary mathematics. Following the success of the previous cohorts of the Mastery Specialist Programme, the NCETM and Maths Hubs are now seeking to recruit a twelfth cohort of expert primary school teachers to develop and work as Primary Mastery Specialists. 

What's involved?

During your training year you will focus on embedding and refining a mastery approach in your own school, with the support of your senior leadership team. This will take the form of residentials led by the NCETM and support from your local Maths Hub. This first year will require ten days’ teacher release time and will be fully funded through the Maths Hubs. 

In subsequent years, as an active Mastery Specialists (subject to DfE funding), you will engage in a variety of work which supports schools to develop, embed and sustain their approaches to teaching for mastery on behalf of the Maths Hub. As a Local Leader of Maths Education, your school and its senior leadership begin to develop a partnership with the Maths Hub to advocate for a mastery approach. There will be ongoing opportunities for continual professional development and an expectation to obtain the NCETM PD Lead Accreditation, if not already achieved.

What are the benefits?

• You will demonstrate deeper subject knowledge and greater understanding of the principles behind teaching for mastery
• Your school will benefit from high-quality and sustained support in embedding teaching for mastery across the school which will develop policies and systems and positively impact pupils. 

Who can apply?

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. Their headteachers commit to supporting them and to developing teaching for mastery in their schools. Full details of the criteria can be found on the information sheet.

Training to become a Mastery Specialist is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to participating schools/colleges

In the training year the Maths Hub will fund the cost of ten days’ release time. In subsequent years (subject to DfE funding), the Maths Hub will fund the cost of release time for the Specialist’s work. The exact number of days is to be discussed with the Maths Hub.