Ten Years of the Maths Hubs Programme
The Maths Hubs Programme, launched in 2014, has transformed maths education in England by fostering a school-led approach to professional development and pedagogy. Over the past decade, the programme has significantly impacted teaching and learning, reaching millions of students and teachers nationwide.
A Vision for Maths Education
The National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM) initiated the Maths Hubs to harness expertise within schools and colleges. This initiative, rooted in the principles of teaching for mastery and evidence-based methodologies, empowers teachers to drive improvements in maths education. Today, the network includes 40 hubs supporting teachers and students across England.
Growing Expertise
Since 2016, the programme has trained Mastery Specialists—expert teachers in the mastery approach. The first cohort included 140 specialists, a number that has now grown to 960. With nearly 500 network events annually, the programme continues to strengthen professional development opportunities for educators.
International Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange
A pivotal milestone was the England-China exchange, which enabled educators to observe and implement effective maths teaching strategies from China. These exchanges have fostered expertise among teachers, benefiting students and schools alike.
Expanding Impact
The Maths Hubs Programme has expanded from 32 to 40 hubs and increased its Network Collaborative Projects from 17 to 33. Over half of England’s schools now engage with Maths Hubs, impacting 4.7 million pupils since the programme’s inception.
Adapting to Challenges
The Covid-19 pandemic presented a significant challenge, prompting Maths Hubs to swiftly transition to online CPD (Continuing Professional Development). Virtual resources, such as adapted Numberblocks materials and video lessons, ensured continued support for teachers and students. This shift has led to a lasting blended approach to professional development.
Looking Ahead
The programme continues to evolve with changing educational landscapes, focusing on research and innovation through Research and Innovation Work Groups (RIWGs). It now supports multi-academy trusts, enabling CPD at scale and creating new pathways for middle and senior leaders.
A Community-Driven Approach
Teachers involved in Maths Hubs highlight the programme’s sense of community, professional growth, and career development. Many educators credit the network with reinvigorating their passion for teaching and providing a supportive environment that fosters collaboration and continuous learning.
Conclusion
The Maths Hubs Programme has had a profound impact on maths education in England, fostering a collaborative and research-driven approach to teacher development. With a decade of achievements behind it, the programme is set to continue shaping the future of maths teaching for years to come.
To celebrate ten years of the Maths Hubs Programme, NCETM have produced a five-minute video to showcase the best of the activity across the network. In the video, you can hear from Work Group participants, those who lead Maths Hubs, and local leaders of mathematics education to discover the benefits of taking part in CPD with your local hub.