MEI and Casio launch national graphing technology pilot with 22 schools selected from more than 220 applications
A year-long study will explore how graphing technology can enhance the teaching and learning of AQA level 2 Further Mathematics
Twenty-two secondary schools from across England have been selected to take part in the pioneering MEI Casio Graphical Calculators Pilot for the 2026–27 academic year, after more than 220 schools applied for a place.
The pilot officially launched on 8 July at the NCVO in London, where teachers from participating schools gathered alongside colleagues from MEI and Casio. The event also welcomed colleagues from Casio’s global headquarters in Japan, reflecting the shared commitment to advancing mathematics education through the use of technology.
About the Pilot
Over the coming year, the study will investigate how graphing technology can support teaching, improve students’ mathematical understanding and foster greater engagement with AQA Level 2 Further Mathematics.
Each participating school will receive a full class set of Casio graphical calculators on loan for the 2026–27 academic year, alongside specially developed teaching resources, ongoing support and high-quality professional development from MEI, all provided free of charge.
The study will evaluate the impact of graphing technology on classroom practice and student learning, but also explore how schools can successfully embed technology into mathematics teaching through practical support and teacher development.
Why MEI and Casio are supporting graphing technology in schools
Tom Button, MEI’s Director for Data Science and Mathematics Technology, said:
“The response to this pilot has been incredible and demonstrates the appetite across schools to explore how technology can enrich mathematics education. Receiving more than 220 applications for just 22 places shows there is real enthusiasm from teachers to develop new approaches to teaching Level 2 Further Mathematics.
In many classrooms, graphing technology isn’t yet a routine part of practice, and many students simply don’t have regular access to these powerful mathematical tools. This pilot is about much more than providing calculators. It’s about understanding how access to technology, combined with high-quality professional development and classroom resources, can help teachers confidently integrate graphing technology into their teaching and improve both their students’ mathematical understanding and their enjoyment of studying mathematics.Over the coming year, we’ll work closely with participating schools to build a robust evidence base that will”
Tom Button
Daniel Mason, Head of Marketing at Casio UK, said:
“Casio has a long-standing commitment to supporting mathematics education through technology that empowers both teachers and students. We are proud to partner with MEI on this important research project, which places classroom practice and teacher expertise at its heart.
By providing access to graphing technology alongside professional development and curriculum support, we hope this pilot will demonstrate how technology can deepen conceptual understanding, encourage mathematical exploration and give more students the opportunity to experience the benefits of visual mathematics.”
Daniel Mason
Sharing evidence and resources from the graphing technology pilot
At the heart of the pilot is an evidence-informed approach to exploring how graphing technology can support deeper mathematical understanding. Working with the 22 participating schools, MEI and Casio will investigate how graphical calculators can help students visualise concepts, explore mathematical relationships and develop deeper engagement through dynamic manipulation and exploration, while considering how access to technology can create more equitable opportunities for learners.
MEI would like to thank Casio for its partnership and support in making this pilot possible, and the 22 participating schools, whose varied contexts will help ensure the findings are relevant and applicable to a wide range of school settings, for their enthusiasm and commitment to exploring new approaches to mathematics teaching and learning.
Findings from the study, along with the teaching and learning resources, will be shared openly at the end of the pilot. Together, they will help build understanding of the role of graphing technology in mathematics education and inform future approaches to teaching and learning in Level 2 Further Mathematics and beyond.
Next Steps
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Find out more about the support we offer for AQA Level 2 Further Mathematics via the AMSP.