Becoming an LLME – what do I need to know?
A summary of our February 2025 Week in Focus across social media
04/03/2025
Time is precious for teachers and school leaders. That's why we created the Week in Focus: a week-long social media campaign, at key junctions in the school calendar, that delivers bite-sized insights on key topics that we believe will be useful for you, your classroom and your school.
Last week, our social media channels were buzzing with insights, success stories and expert perspectives on what it means to be a local leader of mathematics education (LLME), as part of our #NCETMWeekInFocus. If you missed it, don’t worry – this article brings together the key messages and benefits of the LLME role, so you can explore whether it’s the right next-step for you and your school.
What is an LLME?
LLMEs play a crucial role in maths education, leading professional development in collaboration with their local Maths Hub. They are typically practising classroom teachers who combine expertise in maths teaching with deep knowledge of leading CPD.
The NCETM and Maths Hubs are now accepting applications for five programmes designed to develop teachers as experts in teaching for mastery and the leadership of professional development. These programmes are:
- Primary Mastery Specialist
- Secondary Mastery Specialist
- Further Education Mastery Specialist
- Professional Development Lead
- School Development Lead.
All the programmes aim to develop teachers as LLMEs, who lead various strands of activity within their local Maths Hub. Working closely with small groups of teachers and schools, usually in Work Groups, LLMEs ensure that the professional development they lead is tailored, impactful and responsive to both local and national priorities in maths education.
Why do teachers become LLMEs?
Throughout our ‘Week in Focus,’ we highlighted some of the key reasons why teachers step into this role. Here are three of the most compelling:
Professional growth and leadership development – Becoming an LLME allows teachers to develop as leaders while staying connected to classroom teaching. They receive training and support from their local Maths Hub through the LLME Programme. Many teachers, like Paula, find that the role renews their passion for teaching and opens the door to wider opportunities.
Making a difference beyond their classroom – LLMEs help shape maths teaching across multiple schools, ensuring that more pupils benefit from a high-quality maths education. By leading CPD and sharing best practices, they can have a lasting impact on their local teaching community.
A supportive and collaborative network – The LLME role is rooted in being part of a wider professional network. Whether facilitating CPD, engaging in school visits or coming together at community days in their hub regions, LLMEs gain valuable experience and build lasting professional relationships along the way.
What are the benefits for schools?
School leaders often ask: ‘What’s in it for us?’. Here’s how having an LLME on staff can benefit your school:
Stronger internal CPD – Having an LLME in your school means expert-led, evidence-informed professional development is readily available.
Improved maths outcomes – With an LLME leading best practice, schools see tangible improvements in maths teaching and learning.
Better staff retention, recruitment and satisfaction – Supporting teachers to become LLMEs helps them feel valued and developed, boosting retention and empowering them to thrive.
It’s free! – Each of the LLME Programmes, not to mention all Maths Hubs support, is fully-funded.
How to get involved
The LLME application deadline is fast approaching, with the 2025/26 recruitment window closing on Friday 14 March at 5pm. If you’re passionate about maths education or have staff in your school who would be interested, now is the time to apply.
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