Two NCETM Directors recognised as Fellows of the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences

Congratulations to Sue Madgwick, Deputy Director at the NCETM, and Emma Bell, NCETM Director for Post-16 GCSE and Functional Skills Qualifications (FSQ), who are among the first cohort of 100 Fellows of the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences (AcadMathSci). As Fellows, they will help to shape the Academy’s work, champion the role of mathematical sciences, and strengthen links between research, education, government, business and industry.

The Fellowship recognises individuals who have made a sustained and significant contribution to the mathematical sciences and to mathematics education. Fellows are selected for their expertise, leadership and impact on practice and policy.

The first cohort was celebrated at an event at the Royal Society in London on Thursday 29 January, bringing together Fellows and guests from across the sector.

Recognising national leadership in mathematics education

As Deputy Director of the NCETM, Sue plays a key role in developing national programmes and ensuring that mathematics education in England is coherent, evidence-informed and of high quality. She also serves on the transitional board of the Association for Mathematics in Education (AMiE), where she chairs the External Relations Committee. Sue trained as a secondary maths teacher and, before joining the NCETM, worked for a local authority alongside leading Initial Teacher Training through Exeter University and a local School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) partnership.

Emma works nationally with teachers, leaders, colleges and providers across further education and adult learning. As Director for Post-16 GCSE and Functional Skills Qualifications (FSQ), she focuses on supporting collaboration, shared learning and lasting improvement that fits the realities of post-16 classrooms.

Alongside her role at the NCETM, Emma is Director for Further Education and Adult Learning at Mathematics in Education and Industry (MEI). She is particularly committed to improving confidence and life chances for students who are rebuilding their relationship with mathematics.

Strengthening the link between research and practice

The Academy for the Mathematical Sciences aims to strengthen connections between research, education and wider society. Through its Fellowship, the Academy brings together experts who can influence thinking, policy and practice in mathematics and related fields.

Charlie Stripp, Chief Executive Officer of MEI and the NCETM’s National Director, is a long-standing supporter of the Academy. He took part in the Celebration Event panel discussion on the impact of the mathematical sciences and was profiled as part of the Academy’s Maths Can Take You Anywhere campaign, which aims to showcase how people across the UK with diverse backgrounds have achieved amazing things in their lives and careers with maths.

Reflecting on Emma and Sue’s recognition, he said:

‘I’m delighted that Emma Bell and Sue Madgwick have been recognised in the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences’ first cohort of 100 Fellows. Their work has always been about improving outcomes for young people by connecting strong research with great teaching, and by building genuine collaboration across our system. As Fellows, they will help guide the Academy’s work, champion the importance of the mathematical sciences and strengthen links between research, education, government, business and industry.’

Supporting teachers and students across England

The recognition of Sue and Emma highlights the depth of expertise within the NCETM’s leadership team and its strong links to research and practice.

The first cohort of Fellows also includes colleagues from across the Maths Hubs Network, including Sam Waterfield, Post-16 Lead for Archimedes NE Maths Hub and Great North Maths Hub, and Dr Ruth Trundley, Primary and Early Years Lead at Jurassic Maths Hub. Their recognition, representing the far north and far south of the country, shows the breadth of expertise and leadership across the national network.

Through its work with teachers, schools, colleges and Maths Hubs, the NCETM supports high-quality professional development and helps ensure that children and young people experience consistent and effective mathematics teaching from Early Years to post-16.

Becoming Fellows of the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences highlights Sue and Emma’s contribution to this work and their ongoing commitment to improving mathematics education.