What is involved?

There are significant numbers of people teaching mathematics in secondary schools without specialist initial teacher training. In 2021/22, Maths Hubs had the opportunity to provide a programme for secondary non-specialist teachers of maths, which had previously been realised by the Teacher Subject Specialism Training (TSST) programme. It has long been recognised that maths teaching is enhanced when the teachers are confident about the subject matter.

This programme supports non-specialist teachers in developing the specialist knowledge (the blend of subject knowledge and pedagogical knowledge) for teaching maths, and is aligned with an overall Teaching for Mastery Programme designed to develop maths teaching in schools.

This programme has 18 core sessions (an introductory session then 17 sessions exploring each of the NCETM KS3 core concepts), and is designed to be the equivalent of 6 days. 

What does the programme cover?

As a participant on the SKTM Secondary Non- Specialist Programme you will:

• explore and increase your use of a range of pedagogic approaches consistent with teaching for mastery 
• increase your confidence in planning for progression in maths. 
• improve your subject and curriculum knowledge of secondary maths with a particular emphasis on mathematical structures in key areas. 

Who can take part?

This programme is provided for non-specialist teachers of maths in state-funded schools who fit the following definition: ‘A non-specialist teacher of mathematics is ‘a teacher that is currently teaching some mathematics or has commitment from a headteacher/executive head to teach some mathematics within the next year, who has not undertaken initial teacher training (ITT) in mathematics’. 

This could include: 

1. non-specialist QTS teachers with an active commitment from their school to teach maths within the next academic year 

2. non-specialist non-QTS teachers with an active commitment from their school to teach maths within the next academic year 

3. overseas-trained maths teachers (from EEA or the big 4) with: 

1. QTS status obtained through the mutual recognition route 

2. residency in the UK and eligible to work in England 

3. an approved teaching post in a secondary school or college with commitment from their new school to complete SKTM. 

What is the cost?

The SKTM Secondary Programme is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to participating schools.

More Information

Find out more about the SKTM Secondary Non- Specialist programme here:

“From attending the programme, the non-specialist teacher’s confidence in his maths and the teaching of maths has improved. The expectations of his students are now higher. During lessons, subject-specific language is being used by students and they are expected to explain their methods using this language. Manipulatives and representations are a regular feature of the teacher’s lessons and this has supported students in understanding the structure of the maths” – Karen, Head of Maths Department