Secondary Mastery Specialist Programme 

Become a Mastery Specialist in the secondary phase

Applications are open for 2026/27.

Please make sure you read the Information Sheet carefully before you apply, and contact mathshub@painsley.staffs.sch.uk with any queries. The will take you to the NCETM webpage with full information and details of how to apply.

The application window closes on 23 April 2026.

Want to become a specialist in teaching for mastery and support your own and other schools to develop teaching for mastery approaches? Join the Secondary Mastery Specialist Programme. During 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 do the programmes involve?

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.

What you will 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?

How can you find out more?

Hear from Mastery Specialists in our videos below. Find out more about mastery in our case studies. And take a look at the Mastery Specialist Programme in more detail in this diagram.

This video was produced in 2018/19. It describes the programme in more detail and lets you hear from teachers in some of the schools involved.

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Deadline

Applications are open for 2026/27. Please make sure you read the Information Sheet carefully before you apply, and contact mathshub@painsley.staffs.sch.uk with any queries.

The application window closes on 23 April 2026.