Overview
The Higher Level Maths Achievement Programme is a DfE‑funded programme for secondary schools with a high proportion of disadvantaged students. It combines targeted teacher professional development, student study days, and bespoke school support to increase the number of students achieving GCSE grades 7-9 and increase progression to level 3 maths.
The programme was developed in response to evidence from the University of Nottingham’s The mathematics pipeline in England: Patterns, interventions and excellence report, which 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.
Delivered in partnership with the NCETM and Maths Hubs, the programme is fully funded for participating schools.
Learn more about the Higher Level Maths Achievement Programme through our programme video:
Benefits of the programme
Teacher PD
Build confidence in teaching the most demanding GCSE content
- Maths Hub Work Groups designed specifically for this programme
- Subject and pedagogical development rooted in teaching for mastery
Practical strategies to stretch previously high-attaining students
Student Activities
Stretch high‑potential pupils and build readiness for level 3 maths
- Focused support on demanding topics and problem-solving
- School‑led GCSE consolidation and revision
Additional curriculum sessions at out-of-school study days.
Bespoke School Support
Embed high aspirations across the maths department
- Targeted input from an AMSP Local Lead
- Support for departmental culture, leadership and progression planning
Ensuring students from disadvantaged backgrounds are supported throughout their time in secondary school.
Programme Details
To engage with and benefit from the programme, 1-2 maths teachers from the school will engage with professional development as part of the programme each year. The schools will engage with student study days with small cohorts of students with high KS2 attainment from disadvantaged backgrounds. In addition, the school will work with an MEI local lead to provide bespoke support for the school. Schools in their second year of the programme will also join an online community to help support embedding the changes.
Why this works
This programme builds on evidence from the Stoke on Trent Maths Excellence Partnership, which demonstrated significant increases in top GCSE grades and post-16 maths progression for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Who is this programme for?
- Secondary schools with a high proportion of students from disadvantaged backgrounds
- Schools with high‑attaining KS2 pupils not currently converting to GCSE grades 7–9
- Maths departments able to engage in collaborative professional development
- Schools committed to supporting progression to Level 3 maths
Frequently Asked Questions
Your common questions and concerns answered
Contact your Local Lead to check eligibility. You can find out who your Local Lead is on the Find your Local Lead page.
This programme is for eligible schools only. Please contact your Local Lead to check eligibility.
You can find out who your local lead is on the Find Your Local Lead page.
As part of the AMSP, you can also register for free resources via MEI’s Integral learning platform.