Research shows that students from disadvantaged backgrounds who excel in maths at Key Stage 2 are far less likely than their peers to achieve grades 7-9 in GCSE Mathematics. The Higher Level Maths Achievement programme from the AMSP aims to address this. This DfE-funded pilot programme combines teacher professional development with student-focused activities designed to boost the proportion of students from disadvantaged backgrounds achieving top GCSE Mathematics grades and progressing to Level 3 maths.
Who will benefit from the Higher Level Maths Achievement programme?
- 400 schools will take part in 2025/26.
- The programme builds on the success of the Stoke-on-Trent Maths Excellence Partnership.
- We will work with schools with a relatively high proportion of students from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping more high achieving Key Stage 2 students secure grades 7-9 in GCSE Mathematics.
Delivered in partnership with the NCETM and Maths Hubs, the programme is fully funded for participating schools.
What is involved?
The Higher Level Maths Achievement programme has three key elements:
Teacher professional development
- Collaborate and share best practice through Maths Hubs Work Groups designed specifically for this programme.
- Professional development sessions, underpinned by teaching for mastery principles, that will develop subject and pedagogical knowledge to support students to access the highest grades at GCSE and progress to Level 3 maths.
- Develop strategies to inspire students and teach challenging GCSE content with confidence.
Student activities
- Focus on mastering demanding topics and problem-solving skills.
- Year 11 consolidation and revision activities led by school teachers.
- Additional curriculum sessions at out-of-school study days.
- Opportunity to trial AQA Certificate Level 2 Further Mathematics.
Bespoke school support
- AMSP Local Leads share strategies with maths departments to foster a culture of high aspiration for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Equip high-potential students from disadvantaged backgrounds with the resources and opportunities needed to achieve grade 7-9 in GCSE Mathematics.
- Ensure students from disadvantaged backgrounds with high potential are fully supported throughout their time in secondary school.
How can schools get involved?
Recruitment is now open for academic year 2025-26.
- Please contact your Local Lead to find out if your school is eligible.
- Register for updates on this programme and other AMSP support.