Elevating mathematics leadership in primary schools

The need for high quality mathematics education  

Maths is not just another subject—it’s a critical life skill.  

The DfE describes it as:  

…essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment. A high-quality mathematics education therefore provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.

However, provisional data from the latest Key Stage 2 (KS2) attainment tests reveal gaps in progress and achievement.  

The data shows that pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds made the least progress in maths, while those pupils who aren’t known to be from a disadvantaged background made the most progress in maths – a gap that remains unchanged from the 2023/24 academic year.

This underscores the urgent need for effective leadership in mathematics education, especially in primary schools serving the most deprived areas.  

Great teaching requires great leadership, and this is where our NPQ in Leading Primary Mathematics comes in.  

NPQ in Leading Primary Mathematics  

The NPQ in Leading Primary Mathematics, developed in collaboration with experts including NRICH, the National Centre for Excellence in Mathematics (NCETM), and the Maths Anxiety Research Group, equips current and aspiring leaders with the tools they need to succeed.  

The programme is delivered over 12 months and consists of a series of modules based on the DfE’s NPQ frameworks.  

At the end of the programme, programme members complete a summative assessment within a fixed eight-day window. Results are then confirmed within three months. 

The best for every child

If you’re already leading mathematics, the NPQ offers a chance to network and refine your leadership skills. For new or aspiring leaders, it provides a solid foundation in evidence-based mathematics education and guidance on effective subject leadership. 

Our first cohort of leaders are already making waves, demonstrating passion and commitment to ensuring all children receive an excellent mathematics education.  

The sharing of good practice is key to the NPQLPM, taking an evidence-based approach that encourages critical discussion and thinking in the context of mathematics learning, teaching, and leadership. The NPQLPM is at the forefront of acknowledging the relevance of emotions and attitudes, which is vital for maths learning and teaching outcomes.

– Dr Thomas Hunt, Maths Anxiety Research Group, Derby University

What to expect on the NPQLPM  

• Deepen your understanding of the core principles in teaching mathematics
• Build your leadership skills to lead a powerful mathematics strategy
• Learn how to support your colleagues to develop mathematics across the curriculum —without creating unnecessary workload
• Foster positive attitudes towards mathematics  

Jo Sawyer, Assistant Maths Hub Lead at Yorkshire Ridings Maths Hub, highlights the programme’s impact: 

Completing the NPQLPM with Teach First will provide opportunities to deepen your understanding of leading mathematics, provide opportunities to implement sustainable change and allow you to continue to develop a teaching for mastery approach within your school.  

Join a community of committed leaders  

By joining our NPQLPM, you’ll connect with a community of educators dedicated to ending educational inequality and unlocking the potential in all children.  

You’ll have opportunities to learn from expert speakers from the world of mathematics education, participate in online seminars and conferences and access free one-to-one support.  

Take the next step in your career

Our NPQ programmes are delivered in partnership with our delivery partners – teaching school hubs and multi-academy trusts across the country. Together, we focus on helping our programme members build their leadership skills, grow their capacity and make an impact within their schools. 

Our last programme survey reported a third of programme members were promoted to a role with more leadership responsibilities during their NPQ. What’s more, 90% of our programme members stated their NPQ had prepared them to take on a role with more leadership.  

Funding

You may be eligible to have your NPQ course fees covered by the Department for Education (DfE) through scholarship funding. There is no need to apply separately for this; the DfE will notify you of your eligibility when you register for an NPQ.

For Autumn 2024, funded places are limited, so applying early will increase your chances of securing a spot.

Register today  

Ready to develop your skills and shape the future of primary mathematics? Register through the DfE website and begin your application journey today.