Secondary Mastery Specialist Programme
Following the success of the Secondary Mastery Specialist Programme thus far, Maths Hubs, working in conjunction with the NCETM, are now seeking applications from secondary schools that wish to nominate ‘lead teachers’ to take part in an important three-year professional development programme leading to the designation of Secondary Mastery Specialist.
Schools nominating teachers for this role would be committed to the development of teaching for mastery in the lead teacher’s classroom, across their maths department and, later on, to facilitate and support the development of teaching for mastery in a small number of other interested secondary schools within their Maths Hub area.
What will participation in the programme involve?
Year 1: The emphasis will be on the lead teacher developing her/his knowledge, understanding and skills of teaching for mastery.
Year 2: Participants will continue to develop their own classroom practices but with a significant emphasis on developing the knowledge, skills and understanding of all members of the department and exploring, developing and implementing department-wide approaches, structures and systems which support teaching for mastery.
Year 3: Mastery Specialists will work with colleagues from two other schools, to enable them each to embed teaching for mastery approaches in their own classrooms and departments.
Beyond Year 3: there will be further opportunities to work with schools, either in their first year of developing teaching for mastery approaches, or those looking to embed approaches more widely within their departments.
This is a fantastic opportunity for participants to improve maths education through teaching for mastery within their schools, and also to develop their professional development and leadership skills.
The benefits for schools 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 teaching for mastery approach, as set out in the 2021 DfE Key Stage 3 non-statutory guidance
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 school
the department making effective use of materials and resources, including textbooks, to support the design of well-crafted lessons
What is the funding of the programme?
2025-26: The Maths Hub will cover the cost of the 15 days’ release time for the nominated lead teacher.
2026-27: The Maths Hub will cover the cost of the 15 days’ release time for the lead teacher
2027-28: The Maths Hub will cover the cost of release time for the Mastery Specialist to participate in local hub events to enable them to work with other schools.