This trial aims to determine the impact of Oxford University's Mathematical Reasoning (MR) programme on the maths attainment of Year 2 children. It also aims to explore how best to implement the programme on a larger scale in future by finding out how well the online training works at scale.
Recruitment for this trial is now closed.
This is a randomised controlled trial (RCT) where recruited schools will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group (delivering the MR programme) or the control group (continuing with their usual practice).
Participating teachers and Teaching Assistants (TAs) in schools assigned to the intervention group will be asked to complete a two-day online training course and replace one hour of usual maths lesson time per week with a session of the MR programme over 12 to 15 weeks.
Teachers in both intervention and control schools will be required to administer a maths assessment to the pupils in their class in Autumn 2024. These same pupils will complete another assessment in Summer 2026, administered by NFER Test Administrators.
All participating teachers will also be asked to complete an online survey before and after participating in the programme. Further details about what participation involves can be found in the 
school information sheet.
Learning from the evaluation will provide evidence of any impact of the MR programme on the maths attainment of Year 2 pupils and contribute to the education evidence base that informs efforts to improve outcomes for all children.
Schools allocated to the intervention group will receive the MR programme free of charge. Schools allocated to the control group will receive £500 in recognition of their participation in the study.
A detailed timeline for the trial can be found in the school information sheet.
Recruitment for this trial has been completed.
If you would like any additional information or have any further questions, please contact the
research team at [email protected].