Become a maths teacher

Why become a maths teacher?

If you have a love for numbers, problem-solving, and logical reasoning, teaching maths allows you to share that enthusiasm with others.

Inspiring pupils and helping them develop their own appreciation for the subject can be incredibly gratifying.

Why is teaching maths important?

Mathematics forms the foundation for understanding various subjects and concepts across disciplines. Whether it's science, technology, engineering, or even fields like economics and finance, a strong grasp of maths is essential. Teaching maths effectively ensures that pupils have the necessary skills to succeed in further education and their future careers.

Maths fosters critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. These abilities are not only valuable in academic settings but also in everyday life and the workplace. By teaching maths, educators empower pupils to tackle complex problems and make informed decisions, enhancing their overall cognitive abilities.

Katie explains why she chose maths as her subject despite not having a maths degree.

What will I be teaching?

You will teach the national curriculum for mathematics. When teaching 11 to 16 year olds in Key Stage 3 and 4 you will cover themes including:

Numbers
Algebra
Ratio, proportion and rate changes
Geometry and measures
Probability and statistics

When teaching 16 to 18 year olds in key stage 5 you will teach A or AS level core maths, covering themes such as:

Analysis of data
Maths for personal finance
Estimation
Critical analysis of given data and models

How will I learn?

Structured Weekly Plan: Follow a clear and manageable weekly schedule that combines online learning with hands-on experience in a real school setting.

Online Learning: Dedicate 20% of your time to in-depth subject knowledge and professional development modules delivered through our engaging e-learning platform. Access course materials, engaging lessons, and helpful tutorials whenever you need them.

Expert Mentorship: Receive dedicated support from a school-based mentor who will guide you through your ITT course, offering regular progress checks and helping you plan your next steps s

What qualifications do I need to train to be a maths teacher?

To train to teach maths, you will need:

GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above in English and maths
a bachelor’s degree in any subject
A keen interest in, and passion for, maths
If we think you might nee to top up your maths knowledge, we might ask you to complete a subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) course before you start your teacher training

What funding is available to me to train to be a maths teacher?

Tax-free bursaries of £28,000 or scholarships of £30,000 are available for eligible trainee maths teachers.

You can get a bursary or scholarship alongside a tuition fee and maintenance loan.

You may also be able to get extra funding support if you're a parent/carer or disabled.

Non-UK citizens without indefinite leave to remain in the UK are unlikely to be eligible for funding. You can find out more about fees and financial support available for non-UK citizens.

What funding is available to my employing school?

If you choose to train to teach maths through a Teacher Apprenticeship, a grant will be paid directly to your employing school to support paying your wages (paid according to the unqualified teacher pay scale).

Secondary specialism	Cost of training	Unqualified Teacher Pay scale	Employer grant
Maths	Levy-funded	£20,598	£28,000

What is the application process like?

You can apply directly through our website below. After an initial check, we will then contact you to arrange an interview. Once a successful interview has been completed and you have accepted a place to train to teach with BPN, we will then search for a school placement for you (if you do not already have a school that is willing to support your training).

Where do I train to become a maths teacher?

First, you will need to decide which programme best suits your needs. We have two programmes available to budding maths teachers, the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship and Fee-funded Initial Teacher Training (ITT).

Both programmes are school-centred in that the majority of your training will occur in school as you learn on the job. However, there are key differences when it comes to funding and salary. You can compare the two programmes looking at the respective programme structures below.