Mastering Number at Reception and KS1 (Reception focus) Trial 2025-26

What is the aim of this research?

The purpose of the trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of the NCETM’s Mastering Number programme in Reception. It will examine the impact of the programme on Reception pupils’ early numeracy and Reception teachers’ knowledge and confidence in teaching early maths.  

Who can take part?

To participate, schools must meet the following criteria: 

• The school must be a state-funded primary or infant school within a participating Maths Hub region in England.
• The school must not have previously engaged with Mastering Number training and delivery.
• The school must not be involved in other EEF-funded Reception or Early Maths trials in 2025/26.
• None of the school's Reception teachers will have previously been the Lead Teacher in Reception for the Mastering Number Programme in any school.

What type of research is this?

The trial will use a randomised controlled trial (RCT) design to assess the impact of the Mastering Number programme. 

What does participation involve?

• Schools in the Intervention group will engage in the Mastering Number programme activities including training from September 2025 through to June 2026. Participating Lead teachers from each school will receive two training sessions per term (one national session delivered by NCETM and one local session coordinated by the Maths Hub) and access to an online community. They will also receive access to 31 weeks of lesson resources to support delivery of the programme to pupils.
• Schools in the control group will not engage with the Mastering Number programme and will continue to deliver their usual practice during the academic year 2025 – 2026. These schools will be able to access the Mastering Number programme the following academic year i.e. 2026–2027.

Full details of the requirements for schools in the trial can be found on the School information sheet. 

How will you benefit from taking part?

The Mastering Number programme aims to improve teachers’ understanding of progression in early number, and how to teach it. As a result of accessing four Mastering Number lessons per week, it is anticipated that Reception pupils’ fluency and flexibility with number will improve, and their willingness and ability to talk about mathematical relationships will be enhanced. Participating schools, working with their local Maths Hub, will be contributing to the evidence base for teaching approaches aiming to address children’s early mathematics development. 

Full details can be found on the School information sheet. 

What are the timings for this project?

A detailed timeline of activities for the trial can be found in the School information sheet. 

How do you sign up?

To register your interest, please complete this online form.

Who can I contact for more information?

More information is available here: Mastering Number website.  

If you would like to ask a question, or check if your Maths Hub is participating in the trial, contact your local Maths Hub – enter your school postcode to find your hub. 

For any other questions about this evaluation, please contact the project team at [email protected].