This week’s theme is after the papers, before the results. There is no dramatic new maths policy shift, but there are several practical updates: post-results planning, Pearson’s Maths Emporium transition, a funded post-16 CPD route, and some timely GCSE revision resources.

The useful thread is calm preparation.

The 5-minute version

Three things worth knowing this week

Headline: Post-results planning starts before results day

What happened:
JCQ’s current post-results guidance confirms key June 2026 dates. AS, A level, FSMQ, Extended Project and Level 3 results are due on Thursday 13 August 2026. GCSE, Entry Level Certificate, Foundation and Higher Project, and Level 1/2 vocational results are due on Thursday 20 August 2026. JCQ also lists 24 September 2026 as the deadline for reviews of results and copies of scripts for teaching and learning, while noting that centres should check individual awarding bodies for some script arrangements. (Joint Council for Qualifications)

Why it matters:
The important point is not just the dates. JCQ says centres must make candidates aware of post-results arrangements before results are issued, and that senior staff must be available immediately after results to discuss possible next steps. (Joint Council for Qualifications)

Useful action:
Heads of maths should agree now what pupils and families will receive before results day: who to contact, what a review of marking can and cannot do, how consent works, and when staff will be available.

Source:
JCQ Post-Results Services guidance. (Joint Council for Qualifications)

Headline: Pearson’s Maths Emporium is moving to ActiveHub

What happened:
Pearson says the Maths Emporium is moving to ActiveHub. The public notice says there is no action to take immediately, centres will be contacted after exams, sign-up will happen in the autumn term, and current-qualification Maths Emporium content will remain free. (Pearson Qualifications)

Pearson’s June 2026 Maths and Statistics Update also points teachers towards post-series support, exam feedback surveys and summer training, including a free GCSE Maths ResultsPlus and Access to Scripts event on 7 July 2026. (Pearson Qualifications)

Why it matters:
Many departments use Maths Emporium materials quietly in the background: for planning, mock analysis, intervention, departmental CPD and exam preparation. Platform changes can easily get missed at this time of year.

Useful action:
If your department uses Edexcel, nominate one person to watch for the transition email after exams and make sure access is sorted before September routines begin.

Source:
Pearson Edexcel Maths and Statistics Update and ActiveHub notice. (Pearson Qualifications)

Headline: A funded post-16 maths CPD route is still open

What happened:
NCETM says applications are open for the Post-16 GCSE and FSQ Mastery Specialists programme for 2026/27, with an application deadline of 25 June 2026. The programme is fully funded and is aimed at teachers supporting post-16 GCSE resit and Functional Skills maths. (NCETM)

Why it matters:
Post-16 resit work is demanding. It needs strong subject knowledge, good routines, careful confidence-building and a realistic understanding of what pupils have already experienced. Fully funded specialist CPD is therefore worth flagging early.

Useful action:
If you lead post-16 maths, resits, Functional Skills or intervention, check your local Maths Hub now. NCETM says the programme is available through most Maths Hubs, so local availability should be checked before assuming a place is available. (NCETM)

Source:
NCETM/Maths Hubs programme page. (NCETM)

Resource worth saving

Resource name:
Corbettmaths June 2026 Paper 3/6 preparation pages

Best for:
GCSE teachers, tutors, Year 11 pupils and parents looking for a structured final revision route.

Why it is useful:
Corbettmaths has separate June 2026 preparation pages for AQA Paper 3, Edexcel Paper 3 and OCR Paper 3/6. The pages include revision checklists, preparation papers and answers. Importantly, Corbettmaths makes clear that topics from earlier papers can still appear again, so these should be used as sensible revision support rather than as a promised list of what will come up. (Corbett Maths)

Use it on Monday:
Ask pupils to start with the checklist, identify three areas they can improve quickly, then complete selected questions under timed conditions. Follow with self-marking, corrections and one short “what I will remember next time” note.

Source:
Corbettmaths AQA, Edexcel and OCR June 2026 preparation pages. (Corbett Maths)

Research/evidence corner

No major new maths-specific research update from the last 7 days stood out, so I have not forced one in.

One recent evidence item is still worth keeping on the leadership radar: the EEF’s Student Grouping Study, published earlier this year. It looked at mixed-attainment grouping compared with setting in Year 7 and Year 8 maths. The EEF reports that mixed-attainment pupils made, on average, one month less progress in maths than similar pupils in sets, but with important cautions about interpretation and implementation. (EEF)

The practical point is not “setting good, mixed-attainment bad”. NCETM’s later discussion is more measured: context matters, movement between groups matters, tier decisions matter, and the day-to-day quality of maths teaching matters most. (NCETM)

For maths leaders, the sensible question is: whatever grouping model we use, are pupils getting enough challenge, enough support and enough access to strong mathematical thinking?

Exam, assessment and policy watch

GCSE

Ofqual’s latest update confirms that GCSE, AS and A level exams in 2026 run from 7 May to 23 June, with a contingency day on 24 June. GCSE results are due on Thursday 20 August 2026. (GOV.UK)

Ofqual also confirms that formula and equation sheets will remain in GCSE maths, physics and combined science for the remaining lifetime of the current specifications, expected to mean exams up to around 2030 or 2031. (GOV.UK)

A level/Core Maths

A level, AS and Level 3 results are due on Thursday 13 August 2026. (GOV.UK)

For Edexcel centres, Pearson’s 7 July GCSE Maths ResultsPlus and Access to Scripts event is worth noting, especially if you want to use scripts and question-level analysis more carefully in the autumn. (Pearson Qualifications)

Primary/SATs

No major primary assessment update stood out this week.

Policy/regulation

Ofqual has added a teacher-facing podcast and is signposting grading resources, including materials that explain marking, grade boundaries and how grades are awarded. This may be useful for assemblies, tutor time, parent communication and results-day explanations. (GOV.UK)

Ofsted also updated school IDSRs on 5 June 2026, adding the fourth half-termly DfE daily attendance update to the attendance and behaviour section. That is not maths-specific, but maths leaders may want to know if they are preparing for wider school self-evaluation conversations. (GOV.UK)

One thought for maths leaders

This is a good week to separate exam support from exam worry. Pupils still need clear revision, but departments also need to protect staff time and prepare calmly for what comes next. A sensible leadership move would be to agree three things now: the final revision message for pupils, the results-day/post-results process for families, and one small improvement to carry into September.

One Numeracy Ninjas note

A steady numeracy routine is not just for younger pupils or quiet weeks. Short, regular practice can help pupils rebuild confidence, spot small skill gaps and see progress without adding heavy marking.

That is where Ninjas Essentials fits naturally: daily 5-minute skill checks, self-marking slides, progress tracking and low-prep KS3 numeracy fluency.

Try Ninjas Essentials: https://www.numeracyninjas.org/ninjas-essentials/

Have you seen a useful maths link, CPD opportunity, classroom resource, research item or assessment update for next week’s round-up? Send it over and I’ll consider it for the next edition.

This week’s theme is final papers, foundations and planning ahead. There is a live post-16 consultation closing very soon, a useful EEF response, GCSE Paper 2/3 reminders, fully funded Maths Hubs CPD to consider for next year, and some timely revision resources that may help with the last push before the remaining GCSE maths papers.

As ever, the aim is not to list everything. It is to pick out the few things that are genuinely worth knowing.

The 5-minute version

What happened:

The Department for Education consultation on proposed 16 to 19 Level 1 English and maths qualifications closes at 11:59pm on 2 June 2026. The proposals are aimed at students aged 16–19 with prior GCSE attainment at grade 2 or below. The consultation covers the intended cohort, qualification structure, content, achievement and grading. Source: DfE Level 1 English and maths consultation.

Why it matters:

This is mainly a post-16 issue, but it matters to secondary maths departments too. The decisions made about post-16 foundation routes affect the pupils currently moving through Key Stage 4, especially those who are likely to need a different bridge towards GCSE success after Year 11.

For maths leaders, the bigger question is not just “what qualification?” but “what support actually helps lower-prior-attaining pupils build secure foundations?”

Useful action:

Post-16 and resit colleagues should review the consultation before the deadline. Secondary HoDs may also want to speak to local colleges or sixth-form teams about what the proposed route could mean for pupils currently working below grade 3.

2. EEF’s response gives a useful evidence-informed angle

What happened:

The Education Endowment Foundation published its response to the government’s Level 1 English and maths consultation on 29 May 2026. Source: EEF response to the Level 1 English and maths consultation.

Why it matters:

This is worth noting because post-16 maths support can easily become a structural debate about qualifications, hours and compliance. Those things matter, but they do not guarantee better learning. The practical classroom issue is whether students receive teaching that identifies gaps accurately, gives them enough time to practise, and helps them experience genuine progress.

That is a useful lens for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 intervention too. The name of the qualification may change. The core teaching problem remains the same: pupils need secure number, proportional reasoning, algebraic fluency and confidence built through repeated success.

Useful action:

Use this as a prompt to review one intervention group. Are pupils practising the right things? Are gaps being spotted quickly? Are they seeing progress? Is the teacher workload sustainable?

3. GCSE Paper 2/3 revision needs to stay calm, broad and useful

What happened:

For AQA GCSE Mathematics, Paper 2 is listed for 3 June 2026 and Paper 3 for 10 June 2026, both in the morning. Source: AQA GCSE Mathematics key dates.

Pearson Edexcel’s final GCSE timetable also lists Mathematics Paper 2 for 3 June 2026 and Paper 3 for 10 June 2026, both in the morning. Source: Pearson Edexcel GCSE Summer 2026 timetable.

Why it matters:

This is the point in the exam season where pupils can easily become overwhelmed. Topic lists and predicted papers can be useful, but only if they are handled with care. Pupils still need to revise broadly. The safest message is: practise likely areas, but do not narrow the course too much.

Useful action:

Give pupils a short, focused plan for the final days: one mixed paper, one gap-fix session, one formulae/units/geometry check, and one confidence-building task. Avoid sending them away with a huge unprioritised list.

Resource worth saving:

Corbettmaths Paper 2/3 preparation materials

Resource name:

Corbettmaths GCSE Paper 2/3 preparation materials.

Best for:

Year 11 final revision, tutor sessions, independent practice and short focused lessons before Papers 2 and 3.

Why it is useful:

The resources include board-specific unseen-topic checklists, preparation papers and answers. There are separate pages for Edexcel and AQA, with OCR materials also available. Sources: Corbettmaths Edexcel Paper 2 and 3, Corbettmaths AQA Paper 2 and 3, and Corbettmaths OCR Paper 2, 3, 5 and 6.

Use it on Monday:

Pick one checklist and one short section of a preparation paper. Ask pupils to complete it under calm conditions, self-mark with support, then write three things they will revise before Paper 2. Keep it precise.

Research/evidence corner

No major new maths-specific trial result stood out this week, so I have not forced one in.

The most useful evidence-informed item is EEF’s response to the Level 1 English and maths consultation. It is a helpful reminder that foundation support should not just mean more time or another qualification. It needs well-targeted teaching, clear diagnosis, regular practice and careful implementation. Source: EEF response to the Level 1 English and maths consultation.

For maths departments, the practical point is simple: intervention should be judged by whether pupils are learning the right things and becoming more confident, not just by whether another session has been added to the timetable.

Exam, assessment and policy watch

GCSE

The immediate GCSE reminder is Paper 2/3 timing. AQA and Pearson Edexcel both list GCSE Mathematics Paper 2 on 3 June and Paper 3 on 10 June, both morning sessions. Always check your own board and centre timetable before sharing dates with pupils. Sources: AQA GCSE Mathematics key dates and Pearson Edexcel GCSE Summer 2026 timetable.

Ofqual has also confirmed that formulae sheets for GCSE mathematics, and equation sheets for GCSE physics and combined science, will continue from 2028 onwards for the lifetime of current specifications. Source: Ofqual GCSE formulae and equation sheet decision.

A level / Core Maths

No major A level or Core Maths assessment update stood out this week. The most useful related item is CPD planning through Maths Hubs, NCETM, AMSP and MEI routes.

Primary / SATs

The 2026 KS2 mathematics test materials, administration instructions and mark schemes are now available. Secondary colleagues may find them useful for Year 6–7 transition work or light-touch numeracy gap analysis. Source: STA 2026 KS2 mathematics test materials.

Policy / regulation

The main live policy item is the DfE Level 1 English and maths consultation, which closes on 2 June 2026. Source: DfE Level 1 English and maths consultation.

One thought for maths leaders

The final GCSE push and the post-16 Level 1 consultation point to the same leadership question: how do we help pupils build secure foundations without making support feel like failure?

The best intervention systems are calm, specific and routine. Pupils know what they are practising. Teachers know which gaps matter most. Progress is visible. Feedback is quick. The work is not glamorous, but it is often the work that changes a pupil’s view of themselves as a mathematician.

A sensible next step would be to review one current intervention routine and ask: is it targeted enough, regular enough and manageable enough to survive next year?

One Numeracy Ninjas note

This week’s theme fits closely with what Ninjas Essentials is designed to support: short, regular numeracy practice, clear skill coverage, self-marking slides and visible progress without adding heavy marking load.

For pupils who need stronger foundations, five focused minutes a day can be more useful than occasional large revision pushes.

Try Ninjas Essentials

Closing question

Seen a useful maths link, CPD opportunity, resource, research summary or classroom idea for next week’s round-up?

Send it over and I’ll consider it for the next This Week in Maths. admin@numeracyninjas.org

A long one this week, because there is a lot worth saving.

The aim of this round-up is simple: save teachers, parents, carers and tutors from having to do 200 clicks across 200 maths education sites.

What’s new this week

1. GCSE revision now needs to move from Paper 1 reaction to Paper 2 and Paper 3 planning.

The worst half-term plan is “revise everything”.

A better one:

• what did Paper 1 expose?
• which target skills matter most before the next paper?
• where does calculator fluency need tightening?
• which methods need refreshing?
• what accuracy habits are costing marks?

Official timetable links:
JCQ: https://www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/key-dates-and-timetables/
AQA: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/gcse/mathematics-8300/key-dates
Pearson Edexcel: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/mathematics-2015.html
OCR: https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/mathematics-j560-from-2015/

2. NCETM’s May updates are worth reading properly.

The primary round-up is useful for post-SATs thinking: transition, rich tasks and keeping pupils doing meaningful mathematics.

The secondary round-up and related features are useful for departments trying to think beyond exam-season firefighting.

NCETM news and features:
https://www.ncetm.org.uk/news-features/

Primary round-up:
https://www.ncetm.org.uk/news/primary-round-up-may-2026/

Secondary round-up:
https://www.ncetm.org.uk/news/secondary-round-up-may-2026/

Strengthening secondary maths:
https://www.ncetm.org.uk/features/strengthening-secondary-maths-reflections-from-my-first-weeks-as-director-for-secondary-mathematics/

3. Maths Hubs CPD for 2026/27 is already a summer-term job.

If you are a HoD or numeracy lead, now is a good time to ask:

Who needs subject knowledge support?
Who needs intervention or mastery support?
What should be booked before September becomes urgent?

Maths Hubs CPD:
https://www.ncetm.org.uk/news/over-30-maths-hubs-cpd-opportunities-for-202627-now-available/

4. EEF/grouping evidence is a better conversation than “setting or mixed attainment?”

The EEF/UCL study is not a simple win for either camp. It is a prompt to ask better department questions:

Do pupils move groups when evidence changes?
Do all groups get access to ambitious mathematics?
Are expectations quietly lower for some pupils?
Who teaches which groups?
How are fluency gaps diagnosed and followed up?

EEF Student Grouping Study:
https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and-evaluation/projects/student-grouping-study

EEF mathematics evidence review:
https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/evidence-reviews/mathematics-in-key-stages-2-and-3

5. National Numeracy Day has passed. The useful question is what happens next.

Confidence with numbers is not built in one day.

For parents and carers:

• talk about numbers in shopping, cooking, sport, travel and time
• avoid “I was never a maths person” as the default story
• use short practice, not long stressful sessions
• notice small wins

National Numeracy Day:
https://www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk/numeracyday

Helping children:
https://www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk/helping-children

Latest from sites we scanned

Resourceaholic’s “Things to do now for September” is a useful read for maths leaders before the final half-term squeeze:
https://www.resourceaholic.com/2026/05/things-to-do-now-for-september.html

Corbettmaths GCSE Summer 2026 page is useful for exam-season practice:
https://corbettmaths.com/2026/05/13/gcse-maths-summer-2026/

Maths Genie GCSE revision:
https://www.mathsgenie.co.uk/gcse.php

White Rose Education:
https://whiteroseeducation.com/

NRICH:
https://nrich.maths.org/

Cambridge International exam update for international readers:
https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/exam-administration/cambridge-exams-officers-guide/update-a-s-level-mathematics-june-2026-exam-series/

Useful links to save

Dr Frost Maths:
https://www.drfrost.org/

MathsBot:
https://mathsbot.com/

Transum:
https://www.transum.org/

Variation Theory:
https://variationtheory.com/

Cambridge Mathematics Espresso:
https://www.cambridgemaths.org/espresso/

BBC Bitesize Maths:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zqhs34j

AMSP:
https://amsp.org.uk/

MEI:
https://mei.org.uk/

Mathematical Association:
https://www.m-a.org.uk/

Association of Teachers of Mathematics:
https://www.atm.org.uk/

One Numeracy Ninjas note

The theme running through this week’s round-up is target skills.

After SATs, between GCSE papers, or while planning next year’s intervention, the useful question is:

Which small skills are holding pupils back, and how will they see progress?

Numeracy Ninjas is built around short Skill Checks, self-marking, target skills and visible progress.

Ninjas Essentials:
https://www.numeracyninjas.org/ninjas-essentials/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2026-05-weekly-roundup&utm_content=teacher-essentials-target-skills

Ninjas Plus:
https://www.numeracyninjas.org/ninjas-plus/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2026-05-weekly-roundup&utm_content=gcse-paper-2-target-skills

Free Samurai Sums games:
https://www.numeracyninjas.org/samurai-sums/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2026-05-weekly-roundup&utm_content=parent-number-confidence

What have we missed this week?

Drop a useful maths link, blog, resource, research paper, CPD opportunity or parent-friendly maths idea for next week’s round-up.

Here is this week’s Numeracy Ninjas maths round-up for teachers, parents, carers, tutors, HoDs and anyone interested in maths education.

It has been a busy assessment week: KS2 SATs finished, GCSE maths Paper 1 happened for many pupils, and National Numeracy Day is coming this Wednesday.

What’s new this week

SATs week has finished

KS2 tests ran from Monday 11 May to Thursday 14 May 2026, with maths papers on Wednesday and Thursday.

The useful follow-up question is not just what score pupils get. It is:

What target skills do pupils need next?

GOV.UK primary assessment dates:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/primary-assessments-future-dates

GCSE maths Paper 1 has happened

For many Year 11 pupils, this is the point where revision needs to become more precise.

The best next move is not vague revision. It is one clear topic, method, or accuracy habit before the next paper.

AQA GCSE Mathematics key dates:
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/gcse/mathematics-8300/key-dates

Pearson Edexcel GCSE summer 2026 timetable:
https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/Support/Examination-timetables-for-UK-Edexcel-GCSE/gcse-summer-2026-final.pdf

National Numeracy Day is this Wednesday

National Numeracy Day 2026 is Wednesday 20 May. This year’s theme is Count on Your Community.

This is a useful prompt for schools and families. Confidence with numbers is not built by pressure. It is built by small wins, everyday conversations and low-stakes practice.

National Numeracy Day:
https://www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk/numeracyday

Helping children with numeracy:
https://www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk/helping-children

Formula sheets are still part of the GCSE maths conversation

Formula sheets can reduce memory load, but they do not remove the need for method choice, substitution, checking, fluency and accuracy.

DfE GCSE exam support materials:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/gcse-exam-support-materials-minister-for-school-standards-writes-to-ofqual

Ofqual consultation:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/proposed-changes-to-the-assessment-of-mathematics-physics-and-combined-science-gcses/proposed-changes-to-the-assessment-of-mathematics-physics-and-combined-science-gcses

NCETM and Maths Hubs are worth checking now

NCETM has current news, classroom thinking and Maths Hubs professional development opportunities. This is a good time for subject leaders to look ahead to 2026/27 CPD.

NCETM news and features:
https://www.ncetm.org.uk/news-features/

Maths Hubs:
https://www.ncetm.org.uk/maths-hubs/

Useful classroom and revision links

Resourceaholic Maths Gems #198

Jo Morgan’s Maths Gems remains one of the best teacher-curated maths resource round-ups. This issue includes GCSE revision links, Maths Genie updates, QAMA, Big Mathematical Ideas, Transum Squareas and other teacher-created finds.

https://www.resourceaholic.com/2026/05/5-maths-gems-198.html

Dr Frost Maths

Useful for GCSE practice, topic work and targeted revision.

https://www.drfrost.org

Maths Genie

Good for GCSE topic revision, videos, exam questions and quick pupil-facing support.

https://www.mathsgenie.co.uk

Corbettmaths

Still one of the most useful free sources for GCSE revision, 5-a-day, topic practice and videos.

https://corbettmaths.com/

MathsBot

Practical for starters, retrieval, manipulatives, printables and quick classroom tools.

https://mathsbot.com

Transum

Worth browsing for puzzles, starters, interactive tasks and low-stakes practice.

https://www.transum.org

Big Mathematical Ideas

Good professional reading and task design material for thinking more deeply about concepts.

https://bigmathematicalideas.org

Research and evidence worth revisiting

EEF Mathematics in Key Stages 2 and 3 evidence review

A useful evidence anchor for transition, intervention, practice, feedback and fluency.

https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/evidence-reviews/mathematics-in-key-stages-2-and-3

EEF maths guidance report

Still useful when thinking about what effective maths intervention actually looks like.

https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/guidance-reports/maths-ks-2-3

Ofsted maths subject report

Worth revisiting when thinking about curriculum coherence, fluency, reasoning and assessment.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/subject-report-series-maths/coordinating-mathematical-success-the-mathematics-subject-report

NCETM on putting the Ofsted maths report into practice

A more practical bridge from the report to classroom and department action.

https://www.ncetm.org.uk/features/how-to-put-the-ofsted-maths-report-into-practice

Parent and carer links

If your child has had SATs, or is in GCSE season, the next useful step is small and specific.

Try this:

1. Choose one thing that felt slow.
2. Practise for five minutes.
3. Stop before it turns into a battle.

Useful links:

National Numeracy: helping children:
https://www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk/helping-children

BBC Bitesize Maths:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zqhs34j

NRICH:
https://nrich.maths.org/

Free Samurai Sums games from Numeracy Ninjas:
https://www.numeracyninjas.org/samurai-sums/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=2026-05-weekly-roundup&utm_content=parent-samurai-sums

CPD and maths education community

NCETM news and features:
https://www.ncetm.org.uk/news-features/

Maths Hubs:
https://www.ncetm.org.uk/maths-hubs/

AMSP:
https://amsp.org.uk/

MEI:
https://mei.org.uk/

Mathematical Association:
https://www.m-a.org.uk/

Association of Teachers of Mathematics:
https://www.atm.org.uk/

One Numeracy Ninjas note

SATs week, GCSE Paper 1 and National Numeracy Day all point to the same thing:

confidence grows when pupils can see progress.

After an assessment, the most useful question is:

What is the next target skill?

Numeracy Ninjas is built around that idea: short Skill Checks, self-marking, target skills, visible progress and regular low-stakes practice.

For Years 8-10 and GCSE readiness:
https://www.numeracyninjas.org/ninjas-plus/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=2026-05-weekly-roundup&utm_content=gcse-target-skills

For a whole-school fluency routine:
https://www.numeracyninjas.org/ninjas-essentials/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=2026-05-weekly-roundup&utm_content=teacher-essentials

For free no-login home practice:
https://www.numeracyninjas.org/samurai-sums/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=2026-05-weekly-roundup&utm_content=parent-samurai-sums

What have we missed?

Send us a useful maths link, blog, resource, research paper, CPD opportunity or parent-friendly maths idea for next week’s round-up.

Source Checklist

Primary/current links used:

• GOV.UK primary assessment dates: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/primary-assessments-future-dates
• AQA GCSE Mathematics key dates: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/gcse/mathematics-8300/key-dates
• Pearson Edexcel GCSE timetable: https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/Support/Examination-timetables-for-UK-Edexcel-GCSE/gcse-summer-2026-final.pdf
• National Numeracy Day: https://www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk/numeracyday
• National Numeracy helping children: https://www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk/helping-children
• DfE GCSE exam support materials: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/gcse-exam-support-materials-minister-for-school-standards-writes-to-ofqual
• Ofqual consultation: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/proposed-changes-to-the-assessment-of-mathematics-physics-and-combined-science-gcses/proposed-changes-to-the-assessment-of-mathematics-physics-and-combined-science-gcses
• NCETM news and features: https://www.ncetm.org.uk/news-features/
• Maths Hubs: https://www.ncetm.org.uk/maths-hubs/
• Resourceaholic Maths Gems #198: https://www.resourceaholic.com/2026/05/5-maths-gems-198.html
• EEF maths evidence review: https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/evidence-reviews/mathematics-in-key-stages-2-and-3
• EEF maths guidance report: https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/guidance-reports/maths-ks-2-3
• Ofsted maths subject report: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/subject-report-series-maths/coordinating-mathematical-success-the-mathematics-subject-report
• NCETM Ofsted maths report article: https://www.ncetm.org.uk/features/how-to-put-the-ofsted-maths-report-into-practice/

Numeracy Ninjas Weekly Maths Round-Up

Sunday 10 May 2026

A long one this week, because there is a lot worth saving.

What’s new this week

1. KS2 SATs start tomorrow.

The statutory KS2 test week runs from Monday 11 May to Thursday 14 May 2026. The maths papers are on Wednesday 13 May and Thursday 14 May.

For parents and carers, this final Sunday is best kept calm: one short practice, then stop on a win.

GOV.UK primary assessment dates:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/primary-assessments-future-dates

2. National Numeracy Day is coming up on Wednesday 20 May 2026.

This year the theme is Count on Your Community, with the Big Number Natter, school resources, adult confidence resources and the Number Heroes competition.

National Numeracy Day:
https://www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk/numeracyday

Helping children with numeracy:
https://www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk/helping-children

3. GCSE maths season is here, and formula sheets are still part of the conversation.

Formula sheets reduce memory load. They do not remove the need for fluent number work, accurate substitution, method choice, algebraic fluency and calm exam technique.

DfE GCSE exam support materials:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/gcse-exam-support-materials-minister-for-school-standards-writes-to-ofqual

JCQ key dates and timetables:
https://www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/key-dates-and-timetables/

4. NCETM has published over 30 Maths Hubs CPD opportunities for 2026/27.

This is worth saving if you are thinking about next year’s department development, teaching for mastery, specialist knowledge, transition, early career teachers, teaching assistants or post-16 maths.

NCETM update:
https://www.ncetm.org.uk/news/over-30-maths-hubs-cpd-opportunities-for-202627-now-available/

Maths Hubs:
https://www.ncetm.org.uk/maths-hubs/

5. EEF has published new maths-relevant evidence.

There is a new EEF/UCL finding on attainment grouping in secondary maths, plus a new DfE/EEF EdTech Testbed announcement. Both are worth reading carefully rather than reducing to a slogan.

EEF grouping study:
https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/high-attaining-more-progress-when-grouped-eef-and-ucl-research-finds

EEF/DfE EdTech Testbed:
https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/partnership-department-for-education-impact-of-edtech-tools

6. Resourceaholic Maths Gems #198 is out.

As usual, it is a useful teacher-to-teacher sweep of resources. This one includes GCSE question distribution, Example to Exam revision sheets, quick diagram tools, Corbett Maths KS1 5-a-day, A Level resources, Big Mathematical Ideas and several useful update links.

Resourceaholic Maths Gems #198:
https://www.resourceaholic.com/2026/05/5-maths-gems-198.html

Useful maths links to browse this week

Assessment, exams and official pages

KS2 assessment dates:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/primary-assessments-future-dates

JCQ key dates and exam timetables:
https://www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/key-dates-and-timetables/

DfE GCSE formula and equation support:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/gcse-exam-support-materials-minister-for-school-standards-writes-to-ofqual

Ofqual consultation on GCSE maths, physics and combined science assessment support:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/proposed-changes-to-the-assessment-of-mathematics-physics-and-combined-science-gcses/proposed-changes-to-the-assessment-of-mathematics-physics-and-combined-science-gcses

AQA GCSE Mathematics:
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/gcse/mathematics-8300

Pearson Edexcel GCSE Mathematics:
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/mathematics-2015.html

OCR GCSE Mathematics:
https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/mathematics-j560-from-2015/

WJEC GCSE Mathematics:
https://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/mathematics-gcse/

Classroom resources and teacher ideas

Resourceaholic Maths Gems #198:
https://www.resourceaholic.com/2026/05/5-maths-gems-198.html

Dr Frost Maths:
https://www.drfrost.org/

MathsBot:
https://mathsbot.com/

Corbettmaths:
https://corbettmaths.com/

Corbettmaths Primary 5-a-day:
https://corbettmathsprimary.com/5-a-day/

Maths Genie:
https://www.mathsgenie.co.uk/

NRICH:
https://nrich.maths.org/

Transum:
https://www.transum.org/

Variation Theory:
https://variationtheory.com/

White Rose Education:
https://whiteroseeducation.com/

Oak National Academy maths:
https://www.thenational.academy/teachers/programmes/maths-secondary-ks3/

Big Mathematical Ideas:
https://bigmathematicalideas.org/

Research, evidence and professional reading

EEF maths grouping research:
https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/high-attaining-more-progress-when-grouped-eef-and-ucl-research-finds

EEF maths guidance report for KS2 and KS3:
https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/guidance-reports/maths-ks-2-3

EEF early maths resources:
https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/early-years/maths

EEF/DfE EdTech Testbed:
https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/partnership-department-for-education-impact-of-edtech-tools

Cambridge Mathematics Espresso:
https://www.cambridgemaths.org/espresso/

Mr Barton Maths:
https://mrbartonmaths.com/

Learning Scientists:
https://www.learningscientists.org/

Parents, carers and confidence with maths

National Numeracy Day:
https://www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk/numeracyday

National Numeracy: helping children:
https://www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk/helping-children

BBC Bitesize maths:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zqhs34j

NRICH family-friendly maths:
https://nrich.maths.org/

Numeracy Ninjas free Samurai Sums:
https://www.numeracyninjas.org/samurai-sums/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2026-05-weekly-roundup&utm_content=roundup-free-game

CPD and maths education community

NCETM 2026/27 Maths Hubs opportunities:
https://www.ncetm.org.uk/news/over-30-maths-hubs-cpd-opportunities-for-202627-now-available/

Maths Hubs:
https://www.ncetm.org.uk/maths-hubs/

MEI:
https://mei.org.uk/

AMSP:
https://amsp.org.uk/

The Mathematical Association:
https://www.m-a.org.uk/

Association of Teachers of Mathematics:
https://www.atm.org.uk/

One Numeracy Ninjas note

The theme running through this week is confidence through fluency.

SATs, GCSEs, National Numeracy Day, grouping debates and EdTech decisions all come back to the same practical question: how do we help pupils practise the right things regularly, without creating more marking or anxiety?

That is exactly the job Numeracy Ninjas was built for: short Skill Checks, self-marking, target skills, visible progress and a routine pupils can actually sustain.

Try Ninjas Essentials:
https://www.numeracyninjas.org/ninjas-essentials/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2026-05-weekly-roundup&utm_content=essentials

Free Samurai Sums games:
https://www.numeracyninjas.org/samurai-sums/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2026-05-weekly-roundup&utm_content=samurai-sums

What have we missed this week?

Reply with a useful maths link, blog, resource, research paper, CPD opportunity or parent-friendly maths idea for next week’s round-up.

#MathsEducation #MathsTeachers #PrimaryMaths #SecondaryMaths #SATs2026 #GCSEMaths #Numeracy #MathsResources

Hi,

We are going to start sending a more regular Numeracy Ninjas maths update.

That may feel slightly out of the blue, so here is the reason.

Numeracy Ninjas has always been about helping pupils build maths confidence through short, regular practice. We want these emails to be useful even when you are not buying anything: a few maths education updates, practical classroom ideas, parent-friendly tips, and links to free resources.

Some of you are teachers. Some are parents or carers. Some are tutors. Some are a mixture. We will keep the sections clearly labelled so you can jump to the bit that is relevant to you.

This week, three things are worth having on your radar.

1. GCSE maths formula sheets are still part of the assessment conversation. Formula sheets can reduce memory load, but pupils still need fluent number work, method choice, substitution, and accuracy under time pressure.

DfE GCSE exam support materials:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/gcse-exam-support-materials-minister-for-school-standards-writes-to-ofqual

Ofqual consultation:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/proposed-changes-to-the-assessment-of-mathematics-physics-and-combined-science-gcses/proposed-changes-to-the-assessment-of-mathematics-physics-and-combined-science-gcses

2. KS2 SATs run from Monday 11 May to Thursday 14 May 2026, with mathematics papers on Wednesday 13 May and Thursday 14 May. The final week should be about calm confidence, not last-minute panic.

GOV.UK primary assessment dates:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/primary-assessments-future-dates

3. Summer term is a good moment to think about the fluency gaps that will arrive in Year 7. Number bonds, times tables, fractions, decimal operations, directed number and basic factors/multiples become hidden friction in harder topics.

NCETM news and features:
https://www.ncetm.org.uk/news-features/

For teachers

One classroom move for this week:

After any short quiz, ask pupils to write down one target skill, not just one score.

Scores tell pupils how they did today. Target skills tell them what to practise next. That small shift turns retrieval practice into a plan.

This is built into Numeracy Ninjas Skill Checks: pupils complete a short activity, self-mark, record their Ninja Score, identify target skills, and see progress through the belt system.

Useful teacher links:

• Try Ninjas Essentials free:
  https://www.numeracyninjas.org/ninjas-essentials/?utm_source=brevo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2026-05-summer-fluency&utm_content=restart-teacher-essentials
• Read about Numeracy Ninjas Plus for Years 8-10:
  https://www.numeracyninjas.org/ninjas-plus/?utm_source=brevo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2026-05-summer-fluency&utm_content=restart-teacher-plus

For parents and carers

If your child is in Year 6, the final days before SATs are not the time for long, stressful revision sessions.

Try this instead:

Set a timer for 5 minutes. Practise one small thing. Stop while it still feels successful.

That might be times tables, number bonds, or a quick free Samurai Sums game. No login, no setup, no pressure.

Useful parent links:

• Free times tables and fluency practice:
  https://www.numeracyninjas.org/samurai-sums/?utm_source=brevo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2026-05-summer-fluency&utm_content=restart-parent-times-tables

Quick question

What would make these emails more useful to you?

You can reply with one word if you like to admin@numeracyninjas.org :

• teacher
• parent
• tutor
• resources
• games
• intervention
• GCSE
• SATs

That will help us shape future updates and, over time, split the list more sensibly.

Have a good week,

The Numeracy Ninjas Team

Welcome to the Numeracy Ninjas Newsletter #7!

We’re thrilled to confirm that Ninjas Plus Silver launches in time for the new academic year (September 2025).

Pricing is being finalised – we’ll announce it here first, and the programme page will be updated as soon as it’s locked in. We’ll be in touch…

🎮 Introducing Samurai Sums – free online maths games

Our brand‑new suite of browser‑based mini‑games is live and free for everyone.

• Targeted practice. Each game focuses on a single micro‑skill, ideal for lesson starters, homework or quick intervention slots.
• Instant feedback & streaks. Built‑in encouragement keeps students engaged and motivated.
• Zero logins. Just share the link – the games run smoothly on tablets, Chromebooks and phones.
• Teacher wins. Perfect for warm‑ups, homeworks, linkable in Google Classroom/Teams, and a quick way to reinforce fluency and reasoning.

Why the switch from PDF newsletters to this blog?

From now on, you’ll find updates right here instead of in a termly PDF. That means quicker news, easier sharing, and a single hub you can bookmark.
We’re also bringing more of our ecosystem into the website – including a members‑only login area (see below) – so hosting the newsletter as a blog just makes sense.

What to expect on the blog

Alongside product announcements, we’ll be sharing:

• Practical tips on getting the most from Ninjas Essentials and Plus- Bronze + Silver
• Relevant research and maths pedagogy spotlights
• Mini case studies from schools in the Ninjas community
• Sneak peeks of resources in development

We’d love this space to become a conversation – please jump into the comments and share your ideas!

Newsletter archive (issues 1–6)

If you prefer the old PDFs, no worries – you can still download them here:

1. Autumn 2023 – Newsletter #1 · Download
2. Spring 2024 – Newsletter #2 · Download
3. Summer 2024 – Newsletter #3 · Download
4. Autumn 2024 – Newsletter #4 · Download
5. Spring and Summer 2024 – Newsletter #5 · Download
6. Autumn 2025 – Newsletter #6 · Download

Looking ahead to the 2025/26 season 🔭

We’re deep into long‑term planning for the next wave of Ninjas resources, with the first reveals due May half‑term 2025. Highlights on the horizon:

• A secure members‑only area where subscribing schools can log in and download their resources – plus bonus content and annual/seasonal challenges.
• Further expansions to our online games suite.
• New classroom materials based on your feedback.

👉 Have a suggestion? Drop it in the comments – we’re listening!

🏆 Prize‑draw winners – Spring & Summer 2025

Spring Term

• Hellesdon High School
• Westfield House School
• St Damians Primary School
• Kirkley Hall College
• Egglescliffe School
• The Downs, Malvern
• The Abbey School
• Ullapool High School
• The Palmer Catholic Academy
• Blessed Hugh Farringdon Catholic School

Summer Term

• The Bishops’ Blue Coat CofE High School
• Oasis Academy Brightstowe
• Brookfield Community School
• Clacton Coastal Academy
• St Thomas More Catholic School
• Test Valley School
• Blundells School
• The Ramsey Academy
• Meadow Park School
• Mordiford CofE Primary School

🎁 Prizes will be winging their way to you very soon – keep an eye on the post!

Thank you & next steps 🙏

Thank you for your continued support and for trialling Samurai Sums with your classes.

We’ll be back before summer with pricing for Ninjas Plus Silver, details on the members‑only portal, and more sneak peeks for 25/26.

In the meantime, tell us how we can make Numeracy Ninjas even better – the comments are open!

Stay numerate, stay ninja! ✌️