This seminar will bring together policymakers and key stakeholders from across the education sector to consider the next steps for improving the quality of post-16 Mathematics, and increasing participation.

Delegates will consider the recommendations of Professor Sir Adrian Smith’s review into mathematics education for 16 to 18-year-olds in England, including his call for the GCSE resit policy to be reviewed. They will also discuss priorities for ensuring a high quality of quantitative skills provision in the new T-levels, and the future for functional skills qualifications, in light of the Department for Education’s consultation on the content of the reformed qualifications and Ofqual’s consultation on their regulation.

Further sessions include discussion on:

• The implementation of the new Mathematics A-levels - looking at the initial reception and the likely impact of the linear structure, and altered emphasis and content
• Further action for increasing participation in Core Maths - including the potential use of online courses
• Improving quantitative skills across the ability range and the roles colleges, industry and employers can play moving forward
• Options for tackling ongoing recruitment and retention issues in Maths, following the announcement of new bursaries to attract and retain Maths teachers and funding to extend Maths hubs to challenging areas.