Empowering Maths Education: The Role and Impact of NCETM

The National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM) is a leading organisation driving improvements in mathematics education across England. Established in 2006, it was created to help pupils develop a genuine, lasting understanding of maths rather than memorising methods purely for examinations. Its mission centres on enabling young people to recognise the connections within mathematics and use those skills confidently throughout life.

Funded by the Department for Education, the organisation focuses on supporting state schools by enhancing the skills and knowledge of teachers. By improving the quality of teaching, NCETM helps ensure that pupils experience deeper mathematical learning at every stage of their education.

How NCETM Supports Better Maths Teaching

A Strong Emphasis on Teacher Development

NCETM’s work is built around the belief that high-quality maths education begins with high-quality teaching. To support this, the organisation provides a wide range of professional development opportunities for primary and secondary teachers. These include structured training programmes, specialist materials, research-informed guidance, and communities of practice where teachers learn from each other.

What makes this support particularly effective is that many NCETM staff are experienced former teachers. Their classroom backgrounds allow them to design practical, realistic training that addresses everyday challenges faced by educators.

Encouraging the Teaching for Mastery Approach

One of NCETM’s most influential contributions is its promotion of the Teaching for Mastery approach. This method encourages pupils to develop secure and deep understanding, rather than racing through content. It focuses on:

• Clear, connected explanations

• Intelligent practice

• Reasoning and problem-solving

• Small, carefully sequenced steps

• Opportunities for all pupils to succeed

This approach helps build confidence and ensures pupils retain what they learn for the long term. It has become widely adopted across England, largely due to NCETM’s guidance, training, and classroom resources.

National Reach Through the Maths Hubs Network

Collaboration Across 40 Regions

A key part of NCETM’s role is to coordinate the Maths Hubs Programme, a network of 40 hubs across England. These hubs bring schools, teachers, and leaders together to improve teaching collectively. Each hub offers training, workshops, school-to-school support, and professional learning communities.

This national structure allows teachers to access consistent, high-quality development while collaborating with others in their region. It strengthens professional relationships and ensures that improvements in maths teaching are shared quickly and effectively.

High-Quality Classroom Resources

In addition to training, NCETM produces a wide range of teaching materials used daily in classrooms. These include:

• Curriculum guidance

• Mastery planning tools

• Assessment support

• Early Years and primary resources

• Secondary and post-16 materials

• Problem-solving and reasoning activities

All materials are carefully designed to reflect strong maths pedagogy and are informed by research and classroom experience.

A Small Team with a Large Impact

Although NCETM plays a nationwide role, it remains a relatively small organisation, with a team of around 40 professionals. Its headquarters are located in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, at St Mary’s Court, Sheffield S2 4AN, though its staff are based across different parts of England.

Despite its size, the organisation has a significant influence on educational practice due to its strategic leadership, partnerships, and long-standing expertise.

Areas of Expertise and Specialties

Focused Specialisms That Drive Improvement

NCETM’s work is grounded in several key specialties, each contributing to the advancement of maths education:

Mathematics Education

The organisation plays a central role in shaping how maths is taught and understood in schools. Its research-based guidance supports consistent and effective teaching practices.

Teaching for Mastery

This remains one of the organisation’s most impactful contributions. By promoting mastery, NCETM helps schools adopt teaching strategies that foster deep, connected learning.

Professional Development

Through its CPD programmes, NCETM equips teachers with the knowledge and skills they need to deliver high-quality lessons. Its development pathways support teachers from early career stages to specialist roles.

Together, these specialties form the foundation of the organisation’s work and contribute to long-term improvements across the education system.

The Vision Behind NCETM’s Work

At the heart of NCETM’s mission is the belief that mathematics is a vital life skill. Understanding numbers, recognising patterns, and solving problems are essential in both education and everyday life. By strengthening maths teaching, the organisation aims to empower pupils to develop confidence, curiosity, and resilience.

Its vision is reflected in the idea often associated with its work: that maths has the power to transform futures. Through its guidance, resources, and national influence, NCETM helps ensure that more pupils experience success in mathematics.

Why NCETM Remains Important for Schools Today

Raising Standards Across the Country

Improving mathematical attainment is a national priority, and NCETM plays a crucial role by providing research-based, practical support. Its leadership ensures that teaching is aligned with modern educational needs.

Supporting Teacher Confidence and Competence

Teachers who feel confident in their subject knowledge and pedagogy deliver stronger lessons. NCETM’s programmes help teachers build this confidence, ultimately benefiting pupils.

Promoting Consistency and Collaboration

Through the Maths Hubs network, schools avoid working in isolation. Instead, they share expertise, develop new approaches, and work together to improve outcomes for all learners.

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Final Thoughts: The Lasting Influence of NCETM

Since its foundation in 2006, NCETM has grown into one of the most respected voices in mathematics education. With its headquarters in Sheffield, strong partnerships, and dedicated team, it continues to lead national efforts to improve maths teaching.

By specialising in curriculum guidance, mastery approaches, and professional development, the organisation has made a meaningful impact on both teachers and learners. Its work strengthens the way maths is taught, ensuring that pupils across England gain the understanding and confidence they need for future success.

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