London South West Maths Hub

Primary Mastery Specialists

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Primary Mastery Specialists programme

 

Applications open for the Primary Mastery Specialist Programme 2026/27. 
 
The Mastery Specialist Programme is for primary teachers with a passion for maths. In the first year of the programme, three residentials – one in each term – provide an opportunity to develop understanding the Five Big Ideas in Teaching for Mastery in depth, and to focus on the specialist subject knowledge required to design lessons that unfold the maths for all children.
 
Between residentials, as a classroom teacher, specialists will be able to apply their learning to the context of their own classroom and school, reflecting with others what the impact of learning has been on pupils.
 
Who can take part?
Participants should be experienced primary practitioners with the capacity to lead change in their own schools, and to develop as leaders of professional development in other schools. Their headteachers commit to supporting them and to developing teaching for mastery in their schools.
We would welcome applications from Reception class teachers too!

 

What will you learn?
  • Your pupils will show a positive attitude towards maths and enjoy learning the subject
  • You will demonstrate deeper subject knowledge and greater understanding of the principles behind teaching for mastery
  • Your colleagues will begin to develop teaching for mastery approaches
  • Your school will develop policies and systems which support a teaching for mastery approach
 
What is the cost?
The Primary Mastery Specialist Programme is funded by the Maths Hubs Programme, so is free to state-funded participating schools.
 
How to apply
Applications are open for 2026/27. Please make sure you read the Information Sheet carefully before you apply. 
Information and how to apply is on the NCETM website here. The application window closes on 23 April 2026.
 
Reflections from Primary Mastery Specialists about their experience so far

 

Three Primary Mastery Specialists working with London South West Maths Hub reflect on their experiences of participating in the Primary Mastery Specialist programme.
 

“I have felt so inspired and lucky to have been a part of the Cohort 10 Primary Mastery Specialist programme. Not only have I been able to deepen my personal subject knowledge but I have had ample opportunities back at my own school to disseminate to colleagues. From this I feel confident in supporting my school with implementing a change to our mathematics curriculum with fidelity to Teaching for Mastery. Not only this, but I have also made many friends along the way and have a supportive network around me. I can’t wait to see what’s next!”

Phoebe K

 

“It has been an absolute privilege to take part in the Primary Mastery Specialist Programme. From the very first day at Residential 1 with Debbie Morgan (and her knitted number blocks!), the journey has been inspiring. Working alongside like-minded colleagues to unpick the Five Big Ideas truly deepened my understanding of what effective maths teaching should look like. Exploring key mathematical concepts, from additive structures to fractions (which we explored using lego bricks!), really developed my subject knowledge. Ultimately the training has strengthened me as a leader of mathematics in my own school, and now, in my first year running TRGs, it is exciting to put this learning into practice and support leaders in developing teaching for mastery across their schools”.

Ellen G 

 

“I loved my time training to be a Primary Mastery Specialist and couldn't recommend it highly enough. Throughout the year, we were given numerous opportunities to learn and grow. This included developing strong subject knowledge guided by Debbie and Paula at the residentials. I also benefitted from regular collaboration with like-minded colleagues in local schools and chances to observe Mastery lessons from other Specialists. 

I'm now continuing this journey through the Professional Development Lead programme, working closely with local mathematics leaders and running my own Work Groups. Training to be a Mastery Specialist is a fantastic opportunity and is, without doubt, the best professional development I have ever undertaken!”

Phoebe B