News11th July 2025

New research shows powerful impact of AC+ Mathematics Mastery

A recent study supported by the Fischer Family Trust (FFT) has revealed that pupils in schools using the Ark Curriculum Plus (AC+) Mathematics Mastery Primary programme for four years or more are making, on average, an additional three months’ progress – rising to seven months’ progress for disadvantaged pupils – than pupils in non-participating schools.

Ark Curriculum Plus

This new research involved meticulous data matching to ensure fair comparisons and to determine the programme’s true impact.

The FFT chose schools based on a range of indicators that affect academic progress, including variables such as prior attainment, English as an additional language, pupil premium eligibility, cohort size, gender distribution and income levels.

Across all pupils, the study showed three months’ additional progress, providing strong evidence that the AC+ Mathematics Mastery programme is helping to close the attainment gap.

Transforming life chances

Mathematics Mastery Primary was launched over a decade ago as one of Ark’s flagship ventures. Since its launch the programme has scaled significantly, and more than 700 schools across the country have adopted the programme in the past five years.

Kevin Jones, Headteacher at Old Ford Primary in Tower Hamlets – one of the first schools to adopt Mathematics Mastery – said, “This new research confirms what we have already seen in the classroom. Our disadvantaged pupils actually do better than non-disadvantaged nationally. That’s a really telling measure of the programme.”

Kevin added, “A lot of what Mathematics Mastery does is focused on using the correct mathematical vocabulary; being able to use it in full sentences and being able to explain your learning. It’s become habitual. Our children need that structure and need that repetition to embed it.”

Built to work, built to last

Mathematics Mastery Primary is a fully resourced programme with a carefully sequenced curriculum, subject-specific professional development, and ongoing school improvement support.

It enables schools to deliver consistently high-quality maths lessons, while also building deep pedagogical understanding among teachers.

Designed with equity at its heart, the programme uses clear models, structured talk, and high expectations to enable all pupils to access the learning. It reduces cognitive overload by introducing concepts gradually and reinforcing them through varied representations and practice.

Last chance to access government funding

Over the past two and a half years, the Department for Education (DfE) has supported the expansion of Mathematics Mastery Primary – particularly in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage – with an 80 percent subsidy for eligible schools.

That funding is set to end this month, making this the final opportunity for schools to access subsidised support.

To find out more about Mathematics Mastery Primary or to access the final round of DfE funding, visit the AC+ website or book a call here.