London South West Maths Hub

Post-16

 
Post-16 GCSE and FSQ Mastery Specialist programme 2026/27
 
Following the success of the Primary and Secondary Mastery Specialist Programmes, Maths Hubs, working in conjunction with the NCETM, are seeking applications from Further Education establishments that wish to nominate ‘lead teachers’ to take part in an important two-year professional development programme leading to the designation of Post-16 GCSE/FSQ Mastery Specialist. The programme is aimed at those who teach GCSE Mathematics resit and/or Functional Skills Qualifications (FSQs).
 
Who can take part?
The programme is for practitioners of post-16 GCSE Maths resit and/or Functional Skills Maths who are currently employed in a post-16 setting and regularly teaching maths to students aged 16-19 enrolled onto full-time Study Programmes under the government’s Condition of Funding policy. 
Participants must have at least two years’ experience teaching post-16 GCSE/FSQ maths, with the capacity to lead change within their own institutions. They may be based in FE colleges, Sixth Form colleges, or other post-16 settings.
 
What is involved?
Practitioners of post-16 GCSE Mathematics resit and/or Functional Skills Maths can become Mastery Specialists, initially developing their own teaching for mastery approaches, then supporting others to do the same.
 
The programme has an initial training year, followed by a second year and beyond, in which specialists support others. It equips participants with the knowledge and skills to develop highly-effective approaches to the teaching of GCSE Maths resit and Functional Skills Maths, using the principles of teaching for mastery.

 

What will you learn?
  • Your students will develop a secure and connected understanding of the maths they are learning
  • Your students will report increased confidence in using maths
  • You will develop classroom practices aligned to the principles of teaching for mastery, as exemplified for the Post-16 GCSE/FSQ sector
  • You will, over time, become part of the Maths Hubs LLME Community
 
What is the cost?
The Post-16 GCSE/FSQ Mastery Specialist Programme is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to participating schools/institutions.
 
Applications are open for 2026/27.
Please make sure you read the Information Sheet carefully before you apply, and contact your local Maths Hub with any queries.
 
Apply online here
 
The application window closes on 23 April 2026.
Post-16 GCSE/FSQ Mastery Specialist Programme (Embedding the Impact)

 

For Post-16 Mastery Specialists looking to deepen and refine their practice

 

Who can take part?
This community is only open to previous participants of the Post-16 GCSE/FSQ Mastery Specialist Programme
 
What is involved?
This programme supports existing Post-16 GCSE/FSQ Mastery Specialists to deepen their understanding of mastery teaching, refine classroom practice, and support departmental development.
This community is structured to include four days of participation in central community events, with preparation tasks.
 
What will you learn?
  • You will continue to develop an understanding of teaching for mastery and support the department and leadership in creating coherent curriculums and a culture of professional learning
  • You will work within your department to develop a culture aligned to the principles of teaching for mastery
  • Your students will develop a secure and connected understanding of the maths they are learning and report increased confidence in using maths
 
What is the cost?
The Post-16 GCSE/FSQ Mastery Specialist Programme (Embedding the Impact) is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to state-funded participating schools/institutions.