In this episode of the NCETM Maths Podcast, Howard Astley-Jones talks with Professor Paul Glaister OBE 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.

• Professor Paul Glaister OBE, Professor of Mathematics and Mathematics Education, University of Reading
• Howard Astley-Jones, Assistant Director for Secondary Mathematics and Level 3 Coordinator, NCETM.

• 00:00 Welcome and Overview
• 01:29 Meet Professor Paul Glaister OBE
• 02:33 Origins of Core Maths
• 06:58 Why Core Maths matters
• 09:07 Misconceptions and barriers
• 13:17 Growth and future ambitions
• 19:26 Supporters of Core Maths
• 22:12 What Core Maths involves
• 28:51 Teacher support and CPD
• 30:10 Final case for Core Maths
• 33:18 Introducing the Association for Mathematics in Education (AMiE)
• 36:28 Closing and resources.

• Core Maths qualifications: technical guidance, DfE (2017)
• Core Maths professional development, NCETM
• Core Maths professional development, AMSP
• Report from the Expert Panel on Core Maths, Royal Society (2013)
• Post-16 Mathematics: A Strategy for Improving Provision and Participation, Royal Society (2012)
• Is the UK an Outlier? An international comparison of upper secondary mathematics education, Nuffield Foundation (2010)
• Mathematical Transitions: A Report on the Mathematical and Statistical Needs of Students Undertaking Undergraduate Studies, Higher Education Academy (2011)
• Report of Professor Sir Adrian Smith's Review of Post-16 Mathematics, Sir Adrian Smith for the DfE (2017)
• A new approach to mathematical and data education, Royal Society (2024)
• Association for Mathematics in Education (AMiE)
• Explore previous episodes of the NCETM podcast in our archive.

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.

• Susanne Matthews, Assistant Maths Hub Lead at Möbius Maths Hub and Primary Maths Advisor at White Horse Federation
• Debbie Morgan, Director for Primary, NCETM.

• 00:00 Introduction to the NCETM Maths Podcast
• 01:50 Teaching for mastery approaches
• 02:26 Year 6 priorities beyond SATs
• 05:01 Daily arithmetic and fluency routines
• 06:51 Reasoning and goal-free problems
• 08:40 What domains matter most for secondary
• 10:14 Diagnosing gaps with the ready-to-progress criteria
• 11:30 Times table facts
• 12:47 Applying facts for multiplicative reasoning
• 14:03 Key takeaways and next steps
• 15:29 Thanks and resources in show notes.

• Mathematics guidance: key stages 1 and 2
• Exemplification of ready-to-progress criteria
• Coordinating mathematical success: the mathematics subject report (Ofsted, 2023)
• School inspection: toolkit, operating guides and information (Ofsted, 2025)
• Explore previous episodes of the NCETM podcast in our archive.

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.

• Michael Anderson, teacher of maths and MEI Local Lead
• Garry Packer, retired electronic engineer and current STEM Ambassador
• Julia Thomson, Senior Communications and Marketing Manager, NCETM.

• 00:00 Introduction to the NCETM Maths Podcast
• 01:10 Meet the guests: Garry Packer and Michael Anderson
• 02:00 Understanding the STEM Ambassador programme
• 03:11 Garry's journey as a STEM Ambassador
• 04:12 Engaging maths workshops for schools
• 07:08 How to get a STEM Ambassador for your school
• 09:55 Maximising the impact of STEM Ambassador visits
• 11:37 The broader impact of STEM Ambassadors
• 13:01 Volunteering as a STEM Ambassador
• 14:24 Hidden careers in STEM
• 17:08 Becoming a STEM governor
• 19:11 Conclusion and final thoughts.

• STEM Ambassador programme
• The Operational Research Society
• Register with STEM Learning
• Explore previous episodes of the NCETM podcast in our archive.