Specialist Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics (SKTM): Secondary Non-Specialist Teachers
This programme is designed to help non-specialist teachers of mathematics in secondary schools build the confidence and expertise they need to teach maths effectively. It replaces the former TSST programme.
Developing Fluency with Multiplicative Reasoning; in conversation with Charlie Stripp
If you are a headteacher or senior leader, and want to know more about the programme and its suitability for teachers in your school, watch this video.
By developing both subject knowledge and classroom strategies, the programme enables teachers to better understand, explain, and support students in mathematics.
Who is it for?
This programme is open to non-specialist teachers of mathematics working in state-funded secondary schools.
A non-specialist teacher is someone who:
Has trained in a subject other than mathematics or trained overseas but meets the UK’s QTS requirements, and
Is currently teaching maths, or has a confirmed commitment from their headteacher to teach some maths within the next year.
What does it involve?
Equivalent of six days of professional learning, spread over the year.
A focus on the specialist knowledge for teaching mathematics – combining subject knowledge with practical teaching approaches.
Support through a collaborative Work Group model, offering sustained development and ongoing guidance.
What will you gain?
By the end of the programme, you will:
Strengthen your subject and curriculum knowledge of secondary mathematics.
Explore a range of teaching approaches based on mastery principles.
Help your students reason, problem-solve, and communicate mathematically with greater confidence.
What do participants think?
In this short video, you’ll hear directly from teachers about how the SKTM programme boosted their confidence and transformed their approach to teaching maths. You’ll also hear from a Cohort Lead, who explains the unique benefits of the Work Group model and how the support it offers throughout the year makes all the difference.
- “This programme has deepened my understanding of the representations and given me new strategies that I can use with my students in the classroom” – Emily
- “It is helping me reflect as a teacher. I don’t have a maths degree and although I can do the maths myself, it is all different from how I was taught before. My department has done a lot of work on teaching for mastery and this is helping me make sense of the work the faculty are doing” – Sam
- “This is my first year teaching maths, and I hadn’t heard of teaching for mastery before – this programme gives you so many different ways of thinking and approaching problems” – Jessica
- “In terms of planning lessons, I will now use the NCETM resources in my planning – I can now think more deeply” – Ali
- “As a non-specialist, this course has enabled me to use the correct terminology and assisted in the way I structure my lessons” – Simon
- “I am finding it really useful to see different ways of explaining or teaching concepts” – Su
- “I find this really helpful […] it’s the ways to deliver the content that I find most useful, and correcting my misconceptions” – Phil
- “It’s making me see the different ways that concepts can be approached” – Jane
- “My subject knowledge has gaps in maths – I am learning a great deal” – Francesca
- “It’s helping me build confidence, in particular with using correct vocabulary and learning different ways of delivering certain topics” – Carl
What about a head of maths?
- “From attending the programme, the non-specialist teacher’s confidence in his maths and the teaching of maths has improved. The expectations of his students are now higher. During lessons, subject-specific language is being used by students and they are expected to explain their methods using this language. Manipulatives and representations are a regular feature of the teacher’s lessons and this has supported students in understanding the structure of the maths” – Karen, Head of Maths Department
What is the cost?
The SKTM Secondary Non-specialist Teachers Programme is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to participating schools.
More information
- READ: How to Put the Ofsted Maths Report into Practice – Non-specialist Teachers
- LISTEN: A podcast discussion with a non-specialist maths teacher and his head of department – The PE teacher in the maths department
- READ: Q&A with an expert leading a Secondary Non-specialist SKTM Programme cohort for London South East Plus Maths Hub – Spotlight on local leaders of mathematics education
- READ: A blog post exploring the importance of the EEF-funded trials on Maths Hubs work – Going for gold standard
- READ: Find out how Maths Hubs support teachers whose main subject isn’t maths – CPD for non-specialists that strengthens maths departments
Applications are now closed for 2025-2026. Please register your interest for 2026-2027 via the link below:
Secondary Non-Specialist
Session dates and times 2024-2025-
21/10/2024
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11/11/2024
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25/11/2024
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09/12/2024
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13/01/2025
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27/01/2025
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10/02/2025
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03/03/2025
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17/03/2025
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31/03/2025
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28/04/2025
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12/05/2025
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19/05/2025
