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Maths-for-Life. Evaluation Report

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Maths-for-Life. Evaluation Report
Language: English
Authors: Patrick Taylor, Neus Torres Blas, Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) (United Kingdom)
Source: Education Endowment Foundation. 2026.
Availability: Education Endowment Foundation. 9th Floor Millbank Tower, Millbank, London, SW1P 4QP, UK. Tel: +44-207-802-1676; e-mail: info@eefoundation.org.uk; Web site: https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 93
Publication Date: 2026
Sponsoring Agency: JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Document Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Student Centered Curriculum, Secondary Education, Mathematics Education, Intervention, Faculty Development, Secondary School Teachers, Teacher Improvement, Teacher Collaboration, Disadvantaged, Student Participation, Exit Examinations, Mathematics Instruction
Geographic Terms: United Kingdom (Nottingham)
Abstract: The Maths-for-Life programme aims to improve GCSE Maths retake outcomes for post-16 learners in further education colleges, sixth-form colleges, schools, and training providers. It uses a learner-centred classroom approach based on problem-solving and dialogic teaching in mathematics classes. Lead teachers receive six days of training consisting of: a launch; five planning/reflection days; and a closing event. Lead teachers support peers through five cycles of Lesson Study, which focus on evidence informed, discussion-based approaches to teaching GCSE Maths resit learners. The programme was created and is delivered by the Centre for Research in Mathematics Education at the University of Nottingham. This was a two-armed randomised controlled efficacy trial, with randomisation at the setting level. A total of 100 settings were randomly assigned to receive either the Maths-for-Life programme or business as usual. The implementation and process evaluation involved observations of the Lesson Study training, observations of the lessons, and interviews with teachers. The trial took place between October 2018 to April 2025, with reporting delayed due to legal issues around data security with the National Pupil Database (NPD). [This report was co-produced with the Behavioural Insights Team.]
Abstractor: ERIC
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: ED680923
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:The Maths-for-Life programme aims to improve GCSE Maths retake outcomes for post-16 learners in further education colleges, sixth-form colleges, schools, and training providers. It uses a learner-centred classroom approach based on problem-solving and dialogic teaching in mathematics classes. Lead teachers receive six days of training consisting of: a launch; five planning/reflection days; and a closing event. Lead teachers support peers through five cycles of Lesson Study, which focus on evidence informed, discussion-based approaches to teaching GCSE Maths resit learners. The programme was created and is delivered by the Centre for Research in Mathematics Education at the University of Nottingham. This was a two-armed randomised controlled efficacy trial, with randomisation at the setting level. A total of 100 settings were randomly assigned to receive either the Maths-for-Life programme or business as usual. The implementation and process evaluation involved observations of the Lesson Study training, observations of the lessons, and interviews with teachers. The trial took place between October 2018 to April 2025, with reporting delayed due to legal issues around data security with the National Pupil Database (NPD). [This report was co-produced with the Behavioural Insights Team.]