Apply now - applications are open for 2026/27
Following the success of the previous cohorts of the Post-16 GCSE and FSQ Mastery Specialists Programme, the NCETM and Maths Hubs are now seeking to recruit a fourth cohort. We welcome expressions of interest from Further Education establishments that wish to nominate ‘lead teachers’ to take part in an important two-year professional development programme leading to the designation of Post-16 GCSE/FSQ Mastery Specialist. The programme is aimed at those who teach GCSE Mathematics resit and/or Functional Skills Qualifications (FSQs).
More information about Further Education Mastery Specialists can be found in the news item Mastery Specialists in GCSE Resit and Functional Skills.
Please make sure you read the Information Sheet carefully before you apply, and contact us if you have any queries. The application window closes on 25 June 2026.
APPLY HERE
By clicking this application link you will be directed to sign in to Axis or to create an Axis account. Once you have logged in to or set up your account, you will automatically be directed to the application form.
Who can take part?
The programme is for practitioners of post-16 GCSE Maths resit and/or Functional Skills Maths who are currently employed in a post-16 setting and regularly teaching maths to students aged 16-19 enrolled onto full-time Study Programmes under the government’s Condition of Funding policy.
Participants must have at least two years’ experience teaching post-16 GCSE/FSQ maths, with the capacity to lead change within their own institutions. They may be based in FE colleges, Sixth Form colleges, or other post-16 settings.
What is involved?
Practitioners of post-16 GCSE Mathematics resit and/or Functional Skills Maths can become Mastery Specialists, initially developing their own teaching for mastery approaches, then supporting others to do the same.
The programme has an initial training year, followed by a second year and beyond, in which specialists support others. It equips participants with the knowledge and skills to develop highly-effective approaches to the teaching of GCSE Maths resit and Functional Skills Maths, using the principles of teaching for mastery.
What will you learn?
- Your students will develop a secure and connected understanding of the maths they are learning
- Your students will report increased confidence in using maths
- You will develop classroom practices aligned to the principles of teaching for mastery, as exemplified for the post-16 GCSE/FSQ sector
- You will, over time, become part of the Maths Hubs LLME Community
What is the cost?
The Post-16 GCSE/FSQ Mastery Specialist Programme is funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to participating schools/institutions.
Next Steps
Please make sure you read the Information Sheet carefully before you apply, and contact us if you have any queries. The application window closes on 25 June 2026.
By clicking this application link you will be directed to sign in to Axis or to create an Axis account. Once you have logged in to or set up your account, you will automatically be directed to the application form.