CompletedInterventional

Supporting maths learning through peer support: a randomised control trial

This study, called 'Peer-to-Peer Coaching,' wants to see if older students helping younger ones with maths can improve their skills, confidence, and how they learn. It focuses on secondary school pupils in England, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds who struggle with maths. High-achieving Year 10 students will be trained to coach Year 7 students who need extra support. Around 100 schools will take part, with some doing the coaching programme and others continuing with their usual maths lessons. Researchers will check students' maths progress and confidence before and after the programme. The aim is to find effective ways to help all pupils succeed in maths and improve their future opportunities. There are no known risks involved, and pupils can leave the study at any time.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Education Endowment Foundation

Enrolment target

3,000

Start

07 Mar 2025

Estimated completion

17 Oct 2025

Low attainment in maths among secondary-school disadvantaged pupils

What is this study about?

Many secondary school pupils in England, especially those from backgrounds where families might struggle financially, find maths a real challenge. This can affect their confidence, their chances for further education, and even their job opportunities later in life. This study, called 'Peer-to-Peer Coaching,' wants to see if there's a good way to help these pupils improve their maths skills and feel more confident about learning.

The idea behind the study is quite simple: older students who are good at maths (Year 10) can be trained to help younger students (Year 7) who find it harder. They'll meet regularly to work through maths problems and talk about different ways to learn. The study will compare schools that use this coaching programme with schools that continue with their normal maths lessons. By doing this, the researchers hope to understand if this 'peer coaching' approach truly makes a difference and what helps it work best in schools.

This important project is funded by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), an organisation that looks for ways to improve education for all children. It will be run by experts from RAND Europe and the University of Leeds, working with CoachBright, a charity that developed the coaching programme. The main goal is to find practical solutions that can help young people overcome difficulties in maths and give them a better start in life.

Key takeaways

A study investigating if older students coaching younger students helps with maths.
Aimed at secondary school pupils in England, especially those struggling with maths or from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Year 10 students coach Year 7 students over 10 weeks during school time.
Compares coaching schools with schools having normal maths lessons.
No known risks; participation is voluntary and you can withdraw anytime.
Results expected by Summer 2028.

Who may be eligible?

The study is looking for secondary schools in England to take part. Within those schools, specific pupils will be invited.

For the younger students being coached (Year 7), they should be aged 11-12 and have found their maths Key Stage 2 tests a bit tricky (scoring below 100). The study is particularly interested in students who may be eligible for Free School Meals or meet similar criteria for being from a disadvantaged background.

For the older students who will be doing the coaching (Year 10), they should be aged 14-15 and be good at maths, with the potential to achieve high grades (7-9) in their GCSEs. Schools won't be able to join if they are private schools, special schools, or are already doing another similar maths study or running CoachBright's programme.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a Year 7 student (11-12 years old) who found your Key Stage 2 maths tests a bit hard?
Are you a Year 7 student who might be eligible for Free School Meals or from a disadvantaged background?
Are you a Year 10 student (14-15 years old) who is good at maths and might get high GCSE grades?
Does your school NOT offer private education or cater only for special educational needs?
Is your school NOT already involved in another similar maths support programme for these year groups?
Is your school NOT already running the CoachBright Peer-to-Peer coaching programme?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part, your school will either be chosen (at random, like drawing names from a hat) to run the 'Peer-to-Peer Coaching' programme or to continue with normal maths teaching. If your school runs the programme and you're a Year 7 student, you'll be matched with an older Year 10 student coach. You'll meet with your coach once a week for about an hour, for 10 weeks, to work on maths and learning strategies. These sessions happen during school time with teachers and programme managers there to help.

If you're a Year 10 student, you'll get training from CoachBright on how to coach effectively. Then, you'll meet with your matched Year 7 student once a week for an hour over 10 weeks. At the end, you can take part in a graduation event and might even earn a leadership qualification. All students taking part, whether in the coaching group or the normal lessons group, will complete short online or paper tests before the 10 weeks begin and again afterwards to see how their maths skills and confidence have changed. The whole programme runs for 10 weeks within the school year.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study has some potential benefits. Younger pupils might find their maths skills improve, feel more confident about maths, and even enjoy learning it more. Older pupils acting as coaches could develop valuable leadership and communication skills, which might help them with their own studies and future careers. Schools might also benefit by finding a good way to support students who need extra help and strengthen relationships between older and younger pupils. It's reassuring to know there are no known risks involved in taking part. All activities happen during school hours, with teacher supervision, and only school-related information is collected. Your participation is completely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (1)

Schools in England
Approximate
Cambridge, England

Common questions

What is 'peer-to-peer coaching'?

It's when an older student who is good at maths helps a younger student who finds maths more difficult, working together to improve skills and confidence.

Who is funding this study?

The study is funded by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), which is known for supporting projects that help improve education.

What happens if I'm a Year 7 student in the study?

You'll either continue with your usual maths lessons or be matched with a Year 10 coach for 10 weeks of extra maths support.

What happens if I'm a Year 10 student (a coach)?

You'll receive training on how to coach, then meet weekly with a Year 7 student for 10 weeks to help them with maths. You can also earn a leadership qualification.

Can I stop taking part if I change my mind?

Yes, taking part is completely voluntary, and you or your child can withdraw from the study at any time.

How to find out more

Elena Rosa Speciani

erspeciani@randeurope.org +44 (0)1223 353 329 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.