In this episode, the NCETM’s Dr Jen Shearman, 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.

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

Show notesTaking 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* Specialist Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics Secondary Non-specialist Teachers Programme * Mastering Number at Reception and KS1 * Mastering Number at KS2 * Blog post on the EEF trials: Going for gold standard * Evaluating our programmes in 2025/26 * EEF trial of the Secondary Non-specialist Teachers SKTM Programme * EEF trial of the Mastering Number at Reception and KS1 Programme * TIMMS 2023 Report * Coordinating mathematical success: the mathematics subject report (2023) * Explore previous episodes of the NCETM podcast in our archive.