Teaching for mastery is a pedagogical approach which aims to develop a deep and connected understanding of maths for all learners, enabling them to enjoy maths and demonstrate high achievement, giving them a sound basis for future learning and preparing them for future employment. Maths Hubs, working with the NCETM, accept new applications annually from secondary schools that wish to nominate ‘lead teachers’ to take part in a two year professional development programme leading to the designation of Secondary Mastery Specialist.
Are you passionate about deepening your understanding of mathematics teaching and leading positive change in your department? The Secondary Mastery Specialist Programme is an exciting opportunity for dedicated maths teachers to develop their practice, enhance student outcomes, and play a key role in shaping teaching for mastery in their school.
As a Secondary Mastery Specialist, you will:
🔹 Inspire students – Help them build a deep, connected understanding of maths, combining conceptual understanding with procedural fluency.
🔹 Create a positive maths culture – Support students in reasoning, problem-solving, and engaging in meaningful mathematical discussions.
🔹 Develop your teaching expertise – Learn best practices aligned with the NCETM’s Essence of Mathematics Teaching for Mastery.
🔹 Grow as a leader – Gain the skills to lead professional development in your school, working closely with colleagues to embed teaching for mastery.
We’re looking for enthusiastic maths teachers with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), working in state-funded secondary schools, with at least two years of teaching experience. If you have a strong commitment to developing both your own practice and your ability to support colleagues, this programme is for you!
This two-year programme is designed to develop both classroom practice and leadership skills. Unlike previous years, there is no expectation to become a Local Leader of Mathematics Education—although this remains an option for the future. Instead, the focus is on embedding mastery approaches within your own department, working alongside your subject leader.
Year One includes 7.5 days of professional development, featuring:
✅ 5.5 days of central training events
✅ 2 days of in-school and hub-based development, including:
Refining mastery approaches in your own classroom
Collaborating with Cohort 11 peers on lesson and resource design
Observing mastery teaching in both primary and secondary settings
In addition, you’ll undertake the Professional Development Lead Programme, equipping you with the expertise to support and develop others effectively.
To ensure maximum impact, participating schools must commit to supporting their Specialist. This includes:
✔ The headteacher attending part of the autumn term launch event
✔ The subject leader engaging in a Subject Leader Community (NCP26-15)
Applications are now closed for 2026/27. Please register your interest for 2027/28 via the link below:
This is Year Two of the programme for current participants. New applications are not accepted. (except for deferrals from previous cohorts)
In your department, students will:
✔ Develop a deep, secure, and connected understanding of mathematics
✔ Achieve both conceptual understanding and procedural fluency
✔ Think critically, reason effectively, and confidently discuss their maths
✔ Cultivate a positive attitude towards maths and enjoy learning
Working alongside subject leaders, you will:
✔ Foster a shared vision and culture of excellence in maths teaching, based on the NCETM’s Essence of Mathematics Teaching for Mastery
✔ Establish policies, structures, and systems that embed teaching for mastery across the department
As a Secondary Mastery Specialist, you will:
✔ Refine and model high-impact classroom strategies informed by teaching for mastery principles
✔ Support subject leaders in developing a coherent, well-structured curriculum
✔ Help create a professional learning culture where collaboration and evidence-based approaches drive improvement
Most teachers in your department will:
✔ Strengthen their classroom practices in line with the Essence of Mathematics Teaching for Mastery
The programme consists of 11 days of structured development, including:
🟢 3 days (equivalent) attending central events
🟢 8 days (equivalent) dedicated to in-school and in-hub development, including:
Working with your department to enhance teaching practices
Developing systems and structures that support teaching for mastery
Meeting with the hub’s Secondary Assistant Maths Hub Lead and wider team
Observing classrooms (both primary and secondary) to see mastery in action
Participating in other hub events related to teaching for mastery
Additionally, participants will receive funding for four days to complete the NCETM PD Lead Programme (unless already accredited in the secondary phase).
There is also an expectation that the subject leader from each participant school engages in the subject leader community (NCP26-15) to support ongoing collaboration and professional learning.
Check out this video to discover what some current Secondary Mastery Specialists told us about the programme:
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