A Bury man, described as the “architect behind the development of the national network of 40 maths hubs”, has been recognised in the New Year Honours List.
John Westwell, director for system leadership at the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM) has been awarded an MBE for his services to education.
John joined NCETM in 2012, working for consortium partner MEI (Mathematics in Education and Industry), initially as director for secondary.
Shortly afterwards, he took up the role of director for system leadership.
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In 2013, John developed the concept of a maths hubs as a vehicle to deliver maths professional development, which could be system-led by teachers for teachers.
Since the Maths Hubs Programme was launched in 2014, he has supported its success, guiding its growth from initial idea to a nationwide scheme, with 40 maths hubs directly supporting almost 60 per cent of schools in England.
Now in its 10th year, the programme offers more than 30 fully funded professional development opportunities for teachers of maths from early years to post-16.
John’s dedication to improving maths education is the culmination of a career spanning several decades in education.
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He started his career as a maths teacher, and alongside his professional achievements, John has contributed as a school governor in Bury, including serving as chair of governors at St John with St Mark CE Primary School.
John said: “I am delighted to receive this honour and grateful for the many opportunities I’ve had throughout my career.
“Working on the Maths Hubs Programme has been especially rewarding, as it has allowed me to collaborate with dedicated leaders and teachers across the country, all striving to improve pupils’ maths education.”
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Director of the NCETM, Charlie Stripp, said: “John’s award is richly deserved.
“His vision and leadership have been instrumental in shaping the Maths Hubs Programme into a critical component of the national maths education system.
“John has been the architect behind the development of the national network of 40 maths hubs, supporting maths education in all parts of England.
“His work as a teacher, teacher trainer and now as NCETM director for system leadership, has made a major contribution to improving maths education.
“It’s brilliant news that his work has been recognised in this way.”