New report suggests potential improvements to maths teaching methods
Teachers are being encouraged to address common misconceptions about maths as part of a new report by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) offering guidance for teaching the subject to seven to 14 year-olds.
The report, ‘Improving Maths in Key Stages Two and Three’, reviewed available research to offer schools new suggestions for "great maths teaching".
It provides recommendations in eight areas, which have all been designed to support primary and secondary schools to close the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their classmates.
The EEF said the latest research has shown that just 54 per cent of pupils who are eligible for free school meals achieved the expected standard in maths by the end of primary school, compared to 73 per cent of all other pupils.
Among the recommendations were measures to help pupils develop good maths knowledge, highlighting some areas that pupils should get to grips with, as well as some common misconceptions that they may pick up.
For example, the report advises that pupils should master basic mental arithmetic and be able to recall their times tables quickly. This is particularly important, given the fact that those who don’t may well have difficulty with more challenging maths later in school.
The report has also recommended that teachers support pupils as they make the transition from primary to secondary school, a time when attainment in maths tends to fall. It also suggested that teachers utilise physical objects and diagrams in order to boost pupils’ engagement with and understanding of new maths concepts.
Sir Kevan Collins, chief executive of the EEF, said: “The practical and evidence-based steps in our latest Guidance Report are based on the best research available. They’re designed to help schools navigate the wealth of information out there and give all their pupils - particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds - the skills they need to succeed.”
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£160 - 248 per day
Location free text
Dorking
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
£750 - £1,249 per week
£30 per hour and above
Sector
Teacher
Location
Dorking
Description
Year 5 Teacher Required (January 2027)Location: Dorking, SurreyContract length: 2 terms (minimum)Pay- To ScaleTeaching Personnel are currently an enthusiastic and dedicated year 5 teacher to join our
Reference
teacher dorking
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Thames Valley PrimaryAuthor
Thames Valley PrimarySalary
£140 - 180 per day
Location free text
Northamptonshire
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Physical Education
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
Teacher of PE - Northampton ♂️ Teacher of PE | Northampton | Full-Time/ Flexible contract available | Start ASAPAre you a passionate and energetic PE Teacher looking for your ne
Reference
NORTPENN
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£140 - 170 per day
Location free text
Northamptonshire
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Physical Education
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
Teacher of PE - Northampton ♂️ Teacher of PE | Northampton | Flexible contract | Start ASAPAre you a passionate and energetic PE Teacher looking for your next opportunity? We are
Reference
TOFPEN
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£130 - 160 per day
Location free text
Redcar
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Secondary
Location
Redcar and Cleveland
Description
Location: RedcarType: FlexibleSalary: Daily rate: £130 - £160 depending on experienceWe are looking for a passionate and adaptable Secondary Supply Teacher for all subjects for local secondary schools
Reference
ST-Redcar
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Tyne Tees SecondaryAuthor
Tyne Tees SecondarySalary
£94 - 105 per day
Location free text
Stockton-on-Tees
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Durham
Description
Location: Stockton-on-TeesType: Flexible WorkingSalary: Daily rate: £94 - £105 depending on experienceAre you a recent graduate with a passion for education? Looking to gain meaningful classroom exper
Reference
PSYTA-Stockton
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Tyne Tees SecondaryAuthor
Tyne Tees SecondarySalary
£94 - 105 per day
Location free text
Guisborough
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Cover Supervisor
Location
North Yorkshire
Description
Location: GuisboroughType: Flexible WorkingSalary: Daily rate: £94 - £105 depending on experienceTeaching Personnel are looking to recruit a Cover Supervisor. This role is perfect for graduates, aspir
Reference
CS-Guisborough
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Tyne Tees SecondaryAuthor
Tyne Tees SecondarySalary
£174 - 261 per day
Location free text
Rawtenstall
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Other
Location
Lancashire
Description
Teacher of Psychology (KS4 & KS5) – Full-TimeLocation: BB4 Area, Lancashire Start Date: January 2027 Contract: Full-Time Salary: MPS/UPS (dependent on experience)Teaching Personnel are working in part
Reference
2210PSYBB4
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire SecondaryAuthor
Lancashire SecondarySalary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Luton
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Kent
Description
SEN Tutor – Special Educational Needs | LutonLocation: Luton and surrounding areas Job Type: Flexible, Temporary, with potential for permanent opportunities Working Hours: Monday to Friday, during sch
Reference
A78/Luton
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£150 - 245 per day
Location free text
Moreton
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Merseyside
Description
SEN Teacher - Primary School in Moreton, Wirral January 2027 Start | Temp-to-Perm Opportunity Are you an SEN Teacher who believes every child deserves the opportunity to thrive? Do you have the pass
Reference
FHSRU7377EB
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Liverpool Primary
Author
Liverpool PrimarySalary
£23k - 27k per year
Location free text
Weymouth
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£20,000 - £29,999
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Weymouth
Description
Future Teachers Programme Weymouth | January 2027 Start Ideal for Graduates & Career Changers from Weymouth, Dorchester, Bridport, Portland and Surrounding AreasNot sure whether teaching is the righ
Reference
WEYAS2026
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset & Hants SecondaryAuthor
Dorset & Hants SecondaryRelated posts
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
October marks Black History Month in the UK, giving schools an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, contributions and experiences of Black communities while encouraging meaningful conversati
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
As ADHD Awareness Month shines a spotlight on neurodiversity, Teaching Personnel's Ellen shares her experience of being diagnosed with ADHD later in life and how greater awareness and understandi
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
As we celebrate National Teaching Assistants' Day 2026, we're delighted to recognise the incredible individuals who have been selected as our Teaching Assistant of the Year winners.This year,
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
After a well-earned summer break, schools across the UK are opening their doors once again for a new academic year. Whether you're returning to a familiar classroom or starting a new role, Septemb
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD08YY
Summary
As schools and trusts prepare for changes to the way temporary staff are sourced from September 2026, many will look to work more closely with framework-approved recruitment partners. Understandin
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
Summer has only just started, and September might seem a long way off, but it will be here sooner than you think. Schools and trusts are already planning for September, with new opportunities open
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
As schools and trusts prepare for September 2026, the shift from CCS (Crown Commercial Service) to the new GCA (Government Commercial Agency) framework marks a significant change in how supply sta
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
When schools wind down for the holidays, nurseries keep open. Many early-years settings remain open throughout the summer. Nurseries rely on skilled, caring staff to help children and
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
Exams are one of the most stressful times in the academic year, and it isn’t only pupils who feel the pressure. For teaching assistants (TAs) and support staff, exam season brings new expectations
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
If you’re considering taking the next step in education, you’re not alone. More teachers and support staff are exploring permanent roles that offer stability, progression, and a sense of belonging
by
Adam Davies
Register with us
for work in schools across England & Wales
Register today
Recent job