The Early Take-up of Core Maths: Emerging Findings

Core Maths, a new Level 3 qualification equivalent in ‘size’ to an AS-level but intended to be studied over two years, is a response to England’s poor post-16 mathematics participation. Core Maths has been taught in Early Adopter institutions since 2014, with first examination in summer 2016. This paper reports on the historic development of Core Maths, and the early findings of a large-scale three-year mixed-methods project funded by the Nuffield Foundation intended to provide clear practical and policy guidance to secure improved post-16 mathematics participation in England.