Overview

The Maths Progression Programme aims to remove barriers to maths achievement at the highest grades at GCSE and A level for high-potential students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Birmingham Maths Progression Programme (MPP) is a five-year programme managed by MEI, which started in May 2024. It is one of four Maths Progression Programmes funded by the Maths Excellence Fund.

The programme supports students to progress to study maths or maths-related disciplines beyond GCSE and level 3 maths. United Learning, the Inspiration Trust, the University of East Anglia, and the Co-operative Academies Trust manage the other programmes.

The National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) is undertaking an implementation and process evaluation for the Birmingham MPP and the other three programmes on behalf of the Maths Excellence Fund. Phase 1 of the evaluation runs from January 2024 to December 2026.

Key student outcomes

We target students for additional support with “high potential” to achieve top grades at GCSE Mathematics, who are eligible for Pupil Premium.

The key student outcomes aim:

  1. Enjoying and engaging in maths from ages 11 to 16
  2. Attaining grade 7-9 in GCSE maths
  3. Choosing to study A level maths and, where appropriate, A-level further maths
  4. Attaining grade A-A* in A level maths and, where appropriate, A level further maths
  5. Progressing to a maths degree.

Supporting schools in Birmingham

The Maths Progression Programme is working with nine secondary schools in Birmingham to build maths leadership and teaching capacity to implement and embed sustained improvement in maths attainment and progression.

Through participation in the programme, schools will have stronger maths departments with the knowledge and skills necessary to support high levels of attainment and progression, so that students will have more confidence in maths and greater aspirations to follow maths-related careers.

Birmingham

The core components of the Maths Progression Programme

Maths Progression Lead (MPL)

A part-time role in each school, which acts as a champion for maths progression. The MPL will provide additional capacity to support maths achievement and progression, setting high expectations for students and teachers.

Additional Curriculum Support for Target Students in KS3 and KS4

Support for small groups of target students, focusing on deepening understanding and developing problem-solving skills. Additional booster classes for target students in KS4 will be delivered to help them achieve grades 7 to 9 in GCSE Mathematics.

Peer Mentoring

Mentoring of target students by older students and volunteers, to build self-efficacy, provide challenge and raise aspirations.

Extending the Curriculum for Higher Attaining Students

Establishing provision of extension courses in KS4, such as the AQA L2 Further Mathematics course, which supports attainment at GCSE and gives students confidence that they can succeed at A level by exposing them to some A level content in KS4.

Professional Development

PD for maths teachers, to improve the attainment of students at grades 7 to 9 in GCSE Mathematics. In addition to providing training for the MPL, MEI will work with the MPL and the Head of Department in each school to audit their maths department’s PD needs and produce a tailored plan.

Student Enrichment

For target students to develop their confidence and capability in maths, opportunities will be provided in collaboration with external organisations, such as the AMSP, Axiom Maths Circles, UKMT challenges, Maths4Girls, STEM Ambassadors and local universities.

The Maths Excellence Fund is a charitable programme of Purposeful Ventures, funded by XTX Markets and The Hg Foundation.