Level 3 Mathematics Support Programme

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The purpose of the Level 3 Mathematics Support programme is to improve and increase participation and attainment in level 3 mathematics through targeted support to those students, teachers, schools and colleges who need it the most.

The programme will improve the quality and capacity of mathematics provision post-16, through high quality professional development, support and resources for teachers to teach AS/A level mathematics, further mathematics and Core Maths.

The programme will ensure that students in all 16-19 state funded schools and colleges can access AS/A level further mathematics provision.

The programme will scale up Core Maths provision, to increase the number of students in 16-19 state funded schools and colleges studying the qualification.

Working directly with schools and colleges, the programme will stimulate student demand for level 3 mathematics qualifications to increase the number of students, particularly girls, studying mathematics post-16.

The programme will focus on Opportunity Areas (OAs) and areas of low level 3 mathematics participation to improve and increase the number of students studying mathematics post-16 to support social mobility.

Additional information: The government is committed to improving standards in mathematics to match those in the best education systems in the world. Mathematics is central to improving productivity and increasing social mobility. Securing a good mastery of the subject is important to young people's opportunities for further study and training and for future employment. As well as equipping young people with the knowledge and skills demanded in manufacturing, construction and engineering, mathematics provides young people with the ability to research and analyse issues using evidence, and to think critically and logically.

The most recent results from the OECD's 2015 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) study report that there has been no significant improvement in numeracy for 15 year olds in England over the last decade. In 2015, the UK was ranked 27 out of 70 countries for mathematics performance while south-east Asian jurisdictions such as Singapore and Shanghai continue to top the rankings.

The government has introduced significant reforms with the aim of raising standards and restoring rigour to qualifications and the curriculum. New A levels are currently being introduced, with teaching of these new A levels in mathematics and further mathematics starting in September 2017.

The government has recently published Professor Sir Adrian Smith's independent review of post-16 mathematics, which made a strong case for the value of mathematics to all students. He has made a series of recommendations for improving the quality of provision, including the provision of government funding to support level 3 mathematics.

The DfE will be holding a briefing session at 14.30 at Sanctuary Buildings, Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BT on Thursday 10 August 2017 for organisations interested in tendering for this contract. If you would like to attend this event you must register your interest via email at [email protected]. Please include the name of your organisation and the words 'L3 Maths supplier briefing event' in the title of your email, and provide the name and contact details of the person(s) wishing to attend. Two places shall be available for each prospective organisation wishing to attend this event.

The estimated value of the contract is £16m

The period of the contract is estimated to be 1st April 2018 - 31st March 2020 with options to extend for up to a further 24 months.