What is Teaching for Mastery?
Mastering maths means pupils acquiring a deep, long-term, secure and adaptable understanding of the subject. The phrase ‘teaching for mastery’ describes the elements of classroom practice and school organisation that combine to give students the best chances of mastering maths. Behind all NCETM and North North West Maths Hub’s work in the field of teaching for mastery are Five Big Ideas, all informed by research evidence and classroom experience. The diagram below helps bind these ideas together:
For more detail on teaching for mastery, including case studies, lesson videos and professional development materials, see the NCETM mastery pages
The teaching for mastery Journey
Teaching for Mastery is a Department for Education initiative launched in 2016 to transform the teaching and learning of mathematics across England. The long-term aim is for all schools to adopt the Teaching for Mastery approach, with regional Maths Hubs—like the NNW Maths Hub—leading this work.
NCP26-01 – Primary Mastery Specialist Programme (Cohort 12) Applications now open for 2026/27
Become a Primary Mastery Specialist today to lead change in mathematics teaching.
Passionate about maths and ready to lead change? Join the Primary Mastery Specialist Programme and receive fully funded professional development to deepen your expertise and help colleagues embed teaching for mastery. Experienced primary teachers in state-funded schools with the capacity to lead change and headteacher support are eligible to apply. The programme will support you to strengthen your classroom practice, gain deeper subject knowledge, and develop the skills to lead professional development, supported by expert training and collaborative local and national networks.
Want to know more? Explore the details below or get in touch with us at hello@nnwmathshub.org.uk — we’d love to chat.
NNW Maths Hub Deadline for Applications: 12th April 2026
Find out more and apply below.
NCP26-02 – Secondary Mastery Specialist Programme (Cohort 11) Applications now open for 2026/27
Ready to Lead Change in Maths Teaching? Apply to train as a Secondary Mastery Specialist today.
Join the Secondary Mastery Specialist Programme and take your teaching to the next level. This fully funded programme gives you the opportunity to deepen your expertise and help colleagues embed teaching for mastery across your school. If you’re a secondary maths teacher (excluding ECTs) in a state-funded school in England, with QTS and at least two years’ experience, you’re eligible to apply. As a Secondary Mastery Specialist, you’ll strengthen your classroom practice, develop the skills to lead effective CPD, and benefit from expert training and collaborative support within a professional network.
Want to know more? Explore the details below or get in touch with us at hello@nnwmathshub.org.uk — we’d love to chat.
NNW Maths Hub Deadline for Applications: 23rd April 2026
Find out more and apply below.
NCP25-09 Primary Teaching for Mastery – INTRODUCTORY Work Group - Registrations Closed for 2025-26. Express your interest for 2026-27 Below
Teaching for Mastery – Introductory Phase: A two-year programme supporting schools beginning their journey with teaching for mastery in maths. Through regular Work Group sessions and school visits, teachers explore key principles like the Five Big Ideas and Catalysts for Change, building strong foundations for sustained improvement.
Led by local Primary Mastery Specialists, the programme fosters professional growth, impactful learning, and a collaborative network of educators.
Spaces are limited and require support from school leadership. Join the waiting list below to hear about upcoming opportunities.
NCP25-11 Primary Teaching for Mastery Work Group - Registrations Closed for 2025-26. Express your interest for 2026-27 Below
Collaborative professional development for schools to ensure that a teaching for mastery approach is implemented with fidelity
Who Can Participate?
Schools that have historically participated in a Teaching for Mastery Development, Embedding, or Sustaining Work Group. Please get in touch, if you want to check whether your school is eligible to join at: hello@nnwmathshub.org.uk
What’s Involved?
Collaboration: Work alongside other schools to embed and refine teaching for mastery.
Leadership and Teaching: Leaders and teachers collaborate over time.
Core Activities: Observe teaching for mastery in live lessons.
Focus Areas: Implement specific aspects of teaching for mastery involving the school community.
Why Join?
Ongoing Participation: Year-on-year involvement to improve pupil outcomes. Professional Growth: Develop understanding and leadership practice through collaboration. Impactful Learning: Benefit all pupils with consistent, coherent teaching for mastery approaches.
NCP25-14 Secondary Teaching for Mastery Work Group – Foci C; Foci D - Registrations Closed for 2025-26. Express your interest for 2026-27 Below
Support for departments embedding teaching for mastery across Key Stages 3 and 4
Who Can Participate?
Teachers in schools previously engaged with a Secondary Teaching for Mastery Programme or Work Group.
Participants: A pair from each school, ideally including at least one Mastery Specialist or Mastery Advocate.
What’s Involved?
Work Groups: Equivalent of three days across the year, both online and in-person.
Implementation: Continuous thread of implementation to support departmental collaboration.
Collaborative Lesson Observation: Opportunities for observing and reflecting on teaching practices.
Focus Areas:
Understanding secondary teaching for mastery; Coherence across maths and science departments
Why Join?
Professional Growth: Enhance teaching skills and departmental strategies.
Impactful Learning: Develop a cohesive teaching for mastery approach across the department.
Community Building: Collaborate with other educators and share best practices.