Secondary Mastery Specialists

Professional development to enable you to introduce and embed teaching for mastery across your department

Applications are open for 2026/27

Please read this page and the Information Sheet carefully before applying. The application link is towards the bottom of the page.

Want to become a specialist in teaching for mastery and support your own school to develop teaching for mastery approaches? Join the Secondary Mastery Specialist Programme. During the course of the programme you will receive fully-funded professional development from experts, have time to develop your own expertise, and then to support others.

Any teacher (excluding ECTs) who is teaching maths in a state-funded secondary school in England and who wishes to develop both their own classroom practice and their skills in leading professional development with others, can apply to become a Secondary Mastery Specialist.

Learn what's involved in the application process by downloading this Information Sheet.

What is involved?

This two-year programme supports secondary maths teachers to become experts in teaching for mastery and lead change within their schools.

Teachers will strengthen their classroom practice and learn how to support colleagues. They will explore the NCETM’s The Essence of Mathematics Teaching for Mastery, working closely with their subject leader to embed these approaches across the department. Participants will also complete the NCETM Professional Development Lead Programme, gaining the skills to lead effective CPD.

Who can take part?

Secondary maths teachers in state-funded schools in England with QTS and at least two years’ teaching experience. Applicants should be committed to develop their own teaching and support improvement across their department.

Our diagram shows a school's journey towards mastery. Use it to determine where your school's journey starts (click/tap diagram to show a larger version with more detail of the journey).

What will you learn?

You will deepen classroom practice and help students build deep, connected mathematical understanding
You will complete the NCETM PD Lead Programme and learn how to support colleagues through CPD
You will take part in around 7.5 days of professional development, including workshops, school-based activity and collaborative planning
You will observe teaching for mastery in other secondary and primary schools

What is the cost?

The Secondary Mastery Specialist Programme is fully-funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to participating schools.

How can you find out more?