Podcast

Evaluating Maths Hubs' impact with the EEF

The NCETM’s Dr Jen Shearman, Dr Paul Rowlandson and Sue Evans discuss the upcoming EEF-funded trials of two important Maths Hubs programmes in 2025/26

04/04/2025

Evaluating Maths Hubs' impact with the EEF

In this episode, the NCETM’s Dr Jen Shearman, Dr Paul Rowlandson and Sue Evans discuss the upcoming EEF-funded trials of two important Maths Hubs programmes in 2025/26. The conversation explores the role of external evaluation, the challenges of conducting randomised controlled trials (RCTs), and what the findings could mean for maths education in England.

A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download.

Show notes

Taking part in the discussion:

  • Jen Shearman, Director for Evaluation and Impact, NCETM
  • Sue Evans, Assistant Director for Primary, NCETM
  • Paul Rowlandson, Assistant Director for School and Professional Development, NCETM
  • Julia Thomson, Senior Communications and Marketing Manager, NCETM.

Episode chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and welcome
  • 01:12 Meet the team and overview of the EEF trials
  • 01:57 Understanding the EEF and its role
  • 03:31 The NCETM's involvement with the EEF
  • 06:11 Introduction to the SKTM Secondary Non-specialist Teachers Programme
  • 09:28 Introduction to the Mastering Number at Reception and KS1 Programme
  • 12:02 Challenges in conducting the trials
  • 22:01 Hopes and expectations from the trials
  • 31:04 Conclusion and how to get involved.

Useful links