How can we make the transition from primary to secondary mathematics smoother, more coherent and more successful for every pupil?
The Years 5–8 Continuity Work Group brings together primary and secondary colleagues to explore how mathematics teaching, curriculum and language can connect more effectively across Years 5 to 8.
Rather than seeing transition as simply preparing pupils for secondary school, the Work Group focuses on developing a shared understanding of what pupils know, understand and can do, and how this knowledge can be built upon as they move from KS2 into KS3.
Through collaborative professional learning, participants will explore key areas of mathematics, considering how curriculum, pedagogy, representations and mathematical language can be developed coherently across the phases. Sessions will take place in both primary and secondary settings, providing opportunities to explore mathematical tasks in different classroom contexts and consider how pupils’ learning develops over time.
Participants will have opportunities to:
- Develop a deeper understanding of the mathematics curriculum and expectations across KS2 and KS3.
- Explore the key learning and foundations in KS2 that underpin future success in KS3.
- Consider how consistent representations, approaches and mathematical language can support pupils’ understanding and progression.
- Identify and address potential barriers to pupils’ progress as they move into KS3.
- Observe and reflect on teaching and learning in both primary and secondary contexts.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues from other schools to share practice and develop approaches to transition.
This is a practical, collaborative Work Group. Between sessions, participants will have opportunities to trial tasks and approaches with their own pupils, reflect on the impact and bring their experiences back to the group for further discussion.
The intention is that participation leads to sustained development across the school year, with colleagues working alongside school and subject leaders to strengthen transition practice and develop greater continuity in curriculum and pedagogy.
Who can take part?
The Work Group is aimed at colleagues who teach mathematics or have responsibility for mathematics teaching and learning across Years 5–8.
For primary schools, this may include:
- Mathematics subject leaders
- Phase or curriculum leaders
- Teachers with responsibility for progression
- Teachers with responsibility for primary–secondary transition
For secondary schools, we anticipate that the Work Group would be particularly suited to a KS3 lead or colleague with responsibility for transition within mathematics. We would also encourage secondary mathematics subject leaders to engage through the Subject Leaders Community, with transition and continuity providing a key focus within their participation.
The Work Group can be particularly valuable for families of schools, such as a secondary school working alongside its feeder primary schools, or schools working together within a MAT. However, individual primary and secondary schools are also welcome to participate.
Participants will need to be able to be released to attend two full-day, in-person Work Group sessions and two half-day online sessions, and be supported to trial approaches in their own classrooms between sessions.
Strengthening continuity and progression
The ultimate aim is to strengthen pupils’ mathematical journey from Year 5 through to Year 8, so that pupils experience greater continuity in their mathematics learning, build securely on prior knowledge, develop deeper understanding and reasoning and approach the transition into KS3 with confidence and positive attitudes towards mathematics.
For schools, this means developing a shared responsibility for progression, with KS2 and KS3 colleagues working together to understand and strengthen the mathematical learning journey.
What is the cost?
The Years 5-8 Continuity project is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so so there is no cost to participating schools.
HOW TO APPLY?
Bookings are now open for 2026-2027. Please book your place via the buttons below.
Join us and work alongside primary and secondary colleagues to strengthen continuity, progression and pupils’ experience of mathematics from Years 5–8.
GROUP ONE
07/01/2027
08/02/2027
11/03/2027
21/04/2027
4 sessions
14:00-16:00
09:30-14:30
09:30-14:30
14:00-16:00
Online
Brookside Primary School, OX26 2DB
Brookside Primary School, OX26 2DB
Online
GROUP TWO
07/01/27
09/02/27
12/03/27
21/04/27
4 sessions
14:00-16:00
09:30-14:30
09:30-14:30
14:00-16:00
Online
Millbrook Combined School, HP12 4BA
Millbrook Combined School, HP12 4BA
Online
"I have a greater understanding of the primary and secondary maths curriculum. I feel I can shape our learning journey in a way that would allow for a more positive transition"
"Comparing KS2/KS4 maths questions to see similarities. The opportunity to discuss with secondary maths teachers was hugely valuable and has given me lots to consider in my Year 6 teaching moving forward"
"Gaining knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of our incoming Year 7s means we can change our initial lessons with them to support this"
It was very thought-provoking and was great to have an opportunity to discuss a variety of KS2/3 Maths related topics and methods of teaching. I'm now off to get my head around the unit of work and try and implement some changes to my teaching!
