Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Axiom Maths programme?
We partner with schools across England and Wales to run fully-funded maths circles. These weekly sessions bring together small groups of high-attaining pupils to tackle challenging and rewarding maths problems in a supportive social group where the subject is valued.
Maths circles are to maths lessons like band practice is to music lessons. They complement, and do not replace, maths instruction in a classroom. Our carefully crafted curriculum guides them on a five-year journey through the patterns of reasoning behind top-level mathematics, using novel contexts to deepen their understanding.
- School Programme: We fund a member of school staff to identify pupils and run Year 7 and/or 8 maths circles in the first year. We provide everything you need, including resources, support, and training. As your partnership grows, we help you add capacity up to Year 11. You can read more about the school programme here.
- Nominations Programme: We also deliver maths circles online. Schools can nominate eligible Year 7 pupils for interactive sessions with our expert mentors. If pupils are near a regional partner, they can access maths circles via our blended learning models. You can read more about our online programme here.
How much does the programme cost?
Zero! The programme is fully funded. Each school receives a grant of at least £3081 per year (2026/27). In the third year of partnership, we offer additional funding and support to continue running maths circles in new year groups. You can read more about funding here.
When do maths circles run?
Maths circles typically run for one hour across ten weeks of the school term.
- In-school circles: Session times and structures can be adapted to suit your schedule and pupils’ needs.
- Online circles: These typically take place after school or on weekends.
How many pupils are involved?
We recommend maths circles have between 6-8 pupils per mentor for the best interaction and engagement. You can read our guide on identifying and recruiting pupils here.
Who is the programme for?
The programme is designed for pupils in Year 7 to Year 11 who have the “heart and head” for maths.
- Target Criteria: Pupils scoring 113+ in KS2 SATs, or 111+ if eligible for Pupil Premium funding.
- Flexibility: This is not a hard and fast rule. Interest and enthusiasm are good indicators of whether a pupil will enjoy and participate well in a maths circle. We encourage you to use your judgment, especially to ensure pupils eligible for pupil premium join, even if they are hesitant to volunteer.
How do maths circles help pupils feel a sense of belonging in maths?
Maths circles bring together small groups of pupils who share the heart and head for maths, so they can be challenged and supported by peers who feel the same way. Since starting maths circles, almost 90% of pupils say maths circles are fun and 88% feel more interested in understanding other people’s ideas. Milestones like Rising Mathematician Festivals and Maths Camps celebrate their progress together, building a social group where participation and achievement are recognised.
How much teacher time is required?
Mentors should allow one hour of preparation time per session. This ensures they can complete all the problems themselves before delivering the session to pupils.
Are there any more opportunities available to pupils beyond maths circles?
Absolutely! We offer a variety of enriching opportunities, including:
- Maths Camps
- Rising Mathematician Festivals
- Year 11 Graduation
- Taught courses in Year 9 and 10
- Additional Maths Platform for Year 9
How does Axiom Maths help your school meet the Department for Education’s enrichment benchmarks?
Maths circles meet all eight of the DfE’s enrichment benchmarks. They’re strategically aligned to priorities like stretch and challenge, belonging, and raising aspirations, and run year-round from Year 7 to Year 11 as part of a broader enrichment offer.
They’re designed to be accessible, especially for pupils eligible for pupil premium, and shaped by what pupils tell us they need. Mentors lead sessions in partnership with schools, with a curriculum focused on closing the outcomes gap between pupils from more and less advantaged backgrounds.
Milestones like Rising Mathematician Festivals and Maths Camps celebrate progress along the way, and the programme keeps evolving based on feedback from every visit and survey.