Core Maths: Then, Now and Next
Reflecting on a decade of Core Maths and what comes next, with Professor Paul Glaister OBE
13/07/2026
In this episode of the NCETM Maths Podcast, Howard Astley-Jones talks with Professor Paul Glaister OBE about the origins, development and impact of Core Maths since its introduction in the mid-2010s. They discuss why the qualification was created to address the gap for students progressing beyond GCSE without taking A level Maths, and how it supports problem solving, quantitative reasoning, statistics and communication for higher education and employment.
Paul reflects on policy drivers, including the Royal Society and other reports, and the importance of university support and universal provision. Howard shares recent entry trends and the role of the Core Maths Premium, and outlines AMSP and Maths Hubs professional development pathways and support for teachers. The episode also introduces AMiE and its mission for mathematics education.
A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download.
Show notes
Taking part in the discussion:
- Professor Paul Glaister OBE, Professor of Mathematics and Mathematics Education, University of Reading
- Howard Astley-Jones, Assistant Director for Secondary Mathematics and Level 3 Coordinator, NCETM.
Episode chapters
- 00:00 Welcome and Overview
- 01:29 Meet Professor Paul Glaister OBE
- 02:33 Origins of Core Maths
- 06:58 Why Core Maths matters
- 09:07 Misconceptions and barriers
- 13:17 Growth and future ambitions
- 19:26 Supporters of Core Maths
- 22:12 What Core Maths involves
- 28:51 Teacher support and CPD
- 30:10 Final case for Core Maths
- 33:18 Introducing the Association for Mathematics in Education (AMiE)
- 36:28 Closing and resources.
Useful links
- Core Maths qualifications: technical guidance, DfE (2017)
- Core Maths professional development, NCETM
- Core Maths professional development, AMSP
- Report from the Expert Panel on Core Maths, Royal Society (2013)
- Post-16 Mathematics: A Strategy for Improving Provision and Participation, Royal Society (2012)
- Is the UK an Outlier? An international comparison of upper secondary mathematics education, Nuffield Foundation (2010)
- Mathematical Transitions: A Report on the Mathematical and Statistical Needs of Students Undertaking Undergraduate Studies, Higher Education Academy (2011)
- Report of Professor Sir Adrian Smith's Review of Post-16 Mathematics, Sir Adrian Smith for the DfE (2017)
- A new approach to mathematical and data education, Royal Society (2024)
- Association for Mathematics in Education (AMiE)
- Explore previous episodes of the NCETM podcast in our archive.