Improving subject leadership in maths and English (revised v2)

The Foundation aims to drive up standards in maths and English for all learners. This is in line with Ofsted's focus on the importance of consistently good or better teaching, learning and assessment, and current government policy to drive up standards in maths and English.

At the heart of effective practice in these subjects is strong and effective leadership. This tender continues our existing work to support leadership and management, specifically building on and complementing our residential programme for leaders and managers responsible for maths and English.

Research is clear that there is not a standardised approach to the way in which maths and English is delivered in FE, and due to the diverse nature of organisations in the sector we are not seeking to remedy this. Instead we need to promote better, more rigorous and useful ways to manage the progress of young people studying these subjects, learning from secondary schools where appropriate.

Aligned to the research, Ofsted inspections of FE providers, are still, in too many cases citing problems with the leadership and management and outcomes for learners for maths and English. Combining the importance of maths and English to young people and their aspirations, the continued strong focus of these subjects at inspection and the clearer accountability measures introduced in 2016, support for managers leading the subjects is integral to sector wide improvement.

This tender will develop continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities for managers that focus on improving the management of learner progress in maths and English.