Subject Knowledge for Secondary (Non Specialist Teachers)

There are significant numbers of people teaching maths in secondary schools without specialist initial teacher training. This programme supports non-specialist teachers in developing the specialist knowledge (the blend of subject knowledge and pedagogical knowledge) for teaching maths.

Who can take part?

This programme is for non-specialist teachers of maths in state-funded schools in England who fit the following definition:

"A non-specialist teacher of mathematics is a teacher in a state-funded school or college that is currently teaching some mathematics or has commitment from a headteacher/executive head to teach some mathematics within the next year, who has not undertaken Initial Teacher Training (ITT) in mathematics."

If there is sufficient space in the cohort, other teachers of maths who do not fit this definition but would benefit from this support may also participate.

What is involved?

Teachers in this Work Group will meet locally for face-to-face sessions, which will be the equivalent of six days over a minimum of two terms. This allows participants time to develop their practice and evaluate the impact of the adaptations made.

The programme has 18 core sessions; an introductory session followed by17 sessions exploring each of the NCETM KS3 core concepts.

In addition to attendance at these sessions, participants will be asked to carry out school-based tasks to enable practice transfer to the classroom.

It is recommended that each participant has a named mentor in school who can follow up with a up with a professional learning conversation after each session.

Teachers will collaborate with other participants in the Work Group via an online community. This may be in the form of writing brief responses to questions posed by the Work Group Lead or responding to comments from other participants, reflecting on their practice and the progress of their pupils

What are the intended outcomes?

Student outcomes

Students will:

  •  think, reason and discuss their maths in order to deepen their understanding
  •  have a positive attitude to maths.

Practice development

Participants will:

  •  explore and increase their use of a range of pedagogic approaches aligned to those in the NCETM’s Essence of Mathematics Teaching for Mastery

Professional learning

Participants will:

  • develop an understanding of pedagogic approaches to the teaching of maths aligned to those in the NCETM’s essence of Mathematics Teaching for Mastery
  • develop their subject and curriculum knowledge of secondary maths
  • reflect on how the Teachers’ Standards apply to the teaching of maths.

What is the cost?

The Subject Knowledge for Non-Specialist Teachers in Secondary programme is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to participating schools

We're excited that the Yorkshire Ridings Maths Hub has been selected as one of 20 hubs to offer this programme as part of an EEF trial in 2025/26.

For more information, please read this School Information Sheet and visit the NCETM website.

If you are a headteacher or senior leader and want to know more about the programme and its suitability for teachers in your school, please watch this video. 

How can I get involved?

To reserve your place on this Work Group during 25/26, please complete the form below and we will be in touch (subject to availability) when we have further details. 

Subject Knowledge for Secondary Non-Specialist Teachers 25/26