The NCETM Maths Podcast

In this episode of the NCETM Maths Podcast, Howard Astley-Jones talks with Professor Paul Glaister CBE about the origins, development and impact of Core Maths since its introduction in the mid-2010s. They discuss why the qualification was created to address the gap for students progressing beyond GCSE without taking A level Maths, and how it supports problem solving, quantitative reasoning, statistics and communication for higher education and employment.

Paul reflects on policy drivers, including the Royal Society and other reports, and the importance of university support and universal provision. Howard shares recent entry trends and the role of the Core Maths Premium, and outlines AMSP and Maths Hubs professional development pathways and support for teachers. The episode also introduces AMiE and its mission for mathematics education.

A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download.

In this episode of the NCETM Maths Podcast, Debbie Morgan, Director for Primary at the NCETM, talks with Suzanne Mathews, primary maths adviser across a trust of 25 primary schools and Assistant Maths Hub Lead for Möbius Maths Hub.

Suzanne explains how her trust approaches mathematics in Year 6. She discusses which learning to prioritise, how daily fluency and arithmetic routines are structured, and how reasoning is developed so that pupils are well prepared for secondary school. She also shares what secondary teachers value most when students move into Year 7.

The episode highlights the free downloadable NCETM resources used across their Year 6 classrooms to secure learning and address gaps.

A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download.

In this episode of the NCETM Maths Podcast, Julia Thomson from the NCETM’s Communications Team discusses the STEM Ambassador programme with guests Michael Anderson, former education lead for mathematics at STEM Learning, and Garry Packer, a retired electronic engineer and STEM Ambassador. They explore how the programme supports maths education in primary and secondary settings, the roles and experiences of STEM Ambassadors, and practical advice for teachers on how to integrate STEM careers into their curriculum. The conversation highlights the impact of real-world connections on students’ mathematical understanding and career aspirations, providing insights for both educators and potential STEM Ambassadors.

A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download.

In this episode of the NCETM Maths Podcast, the NCETM’s Gaynor Bahan talks with Professor Dame Allison Peacock, Chief Executive of the Chartered College of Teaching, about the importance of teacher collaboration, professional learning, and the current state and future vision of teaching as a respected profession. They discuss the Chartered College's recent report on revisiting teacher professionalism and how initiatives like the Maths Hubs Programme contribute to building a culture of trust, ethics and knowledge sharing among teachers.

A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download.

In this episode of the NCETM Maths Podcast, Jane Hawkins, the NCETM’s Assistant Director for Secondary, speaks to Geoff Barton, chair of the Oracy Education Commission. The conversation dives into the importance of oracy in the classroom, especially in mathematics, exploring how it can transform learning and teaching. They discuss the current state of oracy education, its potential to close the disadvantage attainment gap, and specific recommendations for embedding oracy into professional development for teachers. Geoff references valuable insights and case studies, including contributions from experts such as Tim Oates and David Thomas, as well as practical examples from schools successfully implementing oracy strategies.

A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download.

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In this episode, the NCETM’s Dr Jen Shearman, Paul Rowlandson and Sue Evans discuss the upcoming EEF-funded trials of two important Maths Hubs programmes in 2025/26. The conversation explores the role of external evaluation, the challenges of conducting randomised controlled trials (RCTs), and what the findings could mean for maths education.

A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download.

In this episode, the NCETM’s Dr. Jen Shearman and Carol Knights discuss the EEF’s Secondary maths practice review. The review identifies some of the challenges facing leaders of maths in English schools, including the national shortage of maths teachers, the widening gap between disadvantaged students and their peers, the need for greater focus on students in KS3, and the ways maths departments are approaching these challenges. Jen and Carol also touch upon the implications for the NCETM and the Maths Hubs Programme, and the projects underway to address the issues highlighted in the review.

A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download.

In this episode, we talk to Liz Woodham, Primary Coordinator at NRICH, about the Problem-solving Schools initiative and its aims to support the development of reasoning and problem-solving skills for pupils and students from Reception to post-16. Liz shares insights into the initiative's process, including the use of webinars and rich tasks to support schools, and we also look at the relationship between problem-solving and reasoning and their importance in a well-rounded maths education.

A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download.

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• Liz Woodham, Primary Coordinator, NRICH, University of Cambridge

• 00:00 Introduction

• NRICH Problem-solving Schools initiative

In Part 2 of our episode on oracy with Jane Hawkins from the NCETM and Kathleen McBride from Voice 21, we explore the impact of the Maths Hubs’ Research and Innovation Work Groups (RIWGs), strategies for implementing oracy in both primary and secondary education, and the importance of oracy for enhancing student learning and engagement.

A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download.

• Kathleen McBride, Senior Learning and Innovation Lead, Voice 21

• 00:06 Welcome and introductions

• Listen to Part 1 of this podcast episode

In Part 1 of our discussion with Kathleen McBride from Voice 21 and Jane Hawkins from the NCETM’s Secondary Team and Jurassic Maths Hub, we discuss the definition of oracy, its significance for students' mathematical development, behaviour and overall well-being, and the role of Research and Innovation Work Groups (RIWGs) in exploring oracy's impact in classrooms. We also take a look at Voice 21’s Oracy Framework for schools and teachers.

A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download.

• Kathleen McBride, Senior Learning and Innovation Lead, Voice 21

• 00:06 Welcome and introductions

• All-Party Parliamentary Group Report Speak for Change