Blog

Something’s happening with maths confidence… and it’s not all good. I’ve been digging into the TIMSS data again for a video I’m working on. Last week, I shared a post about the widening gap between the highest and lowest achievers in England. This week, it’s confidence I want to highlight….

We’re absolutely thrilled to announce that Mary-Kate Connolly is joining Rethink Maths as our new Managing Director! Mary-Kate brings a wealth of experience in education, leadership, and curriculum development and more importantly, she brings the kind of deep-rooted passion for mathematics that aligns perfectly with everything we stand for. Mary-Kate…

England’s maths progress and the questions the TIMSS data leaves us with. I’ve finally had the chance to dive a bit deeper into the latest TIMSS report (as you do!). Partly because I’m researching for some videos I’m putting together for Rethink Maths, but also because I’ve always found these…

Mathematics is more than just numbers, formulas, and procedures – it’s a way of thinking. At its core, maths is about problem-solving: breaking down complex situations, identifying patterns, and applying logical reasoning to find solutions. It is great to see problem solving as a core focus of our national curriculum…

Well, some good news and some bad news to kick off the week. The bad? This is the final Tony’s Angle of the season. The good? The network suits have seen the light and commissioned a second series! We’ll be back in the Autumn. I can sense the excitement now!…

If I had a pound for every time a student said, “When will I ever need this in real life?”, I’d have… well, I’d be a millionaire I reckon. Here’s the thing. It’s not just teenagers muttering it under their breath – it’s adults too. Politicians. Journalists. Your mate who…

It’s my birthday today (written on 30th June if you want to save the date for next year). No balloons. No surprise party (that I am aware of anyway). Just a quiet moment with a coffee and a cake. I trained to be a teacher in the late 90s. What…

Just Because It Sparkles… Let’s get something straight. A well-designed PowerPoint or beautifully crafted worksheet doesn’t teach children maths. We all say it. We all know it. But… sometimes we forget to act on it. Occasionally we assume the quality of the resource will carry the lesson. But the truth…

Let me tell you something I’ve come to believe with the kind of certainty usually reserved for death, taxes and the knowledge that a Year 7, fresh from primary, will ask whether they should write in pen or pencil – like it’s the biggest decision of their lives. We talk…

Let’s talk about something we all quietly know… but don’t talk about enough. In my opinion, we’re still treating early maths like the warm-up act at a primary school talent show. Meanwhile, phonics for reading is headlining Glastonbury. Spelling walls. Flashcards. Badges. Parent updates. Full-blown rituals. Picture the Scene A…

When we chose the word Rethink, it wasn’t just a brand decision, it was a mindset. It’s a word that’s been quietly sitting at the centre of my thinking for a long time. As a leader. As a teacher. As a woman in education. And now, as someone building something…