Our History

The MA was the first teachers' subject association to be formed in England, in 1871, as the 'Association for the Improvement of Geometrical Teaching', the original catalyst being the need to develop and to lobby for alternatives to the then standard treatment of geometry.

The Association's history is located within a broad context of changes in the educational system, developments in educational and mathematical thought, the growth of professionalism, and wider social, political and economic forces which influence the curriculum.

MA reports and publications became standard references in the growing international interest in mathematics education throughout the 20th century.

A full account of the history of the association can be found in Mathematics for the Multitude: a history of the Mathematical Association.

What do we do?

The Mathematical Association exists to support and promote confidence and enjoyment in mathematics for all.

We do this through interacting with teachers and those with an interest in mathematics via our publications and journals, professional development provisions including regular webinars, conferences and nation-wide branches

We work to influence mathematics education policy in evidence-based ways that support the development of a mathematically-enabled confident and interested population.

“(The MA) is about personal professional development, affirmation, values – challenge too, but support to develop that deep thinking that nurtures your long-term growth and enablement, that enables you to go back refreshed and keeps you committed.”

“Provision is at a high level: it’s really high quality and builds your subject knowledge so it’s deeper.... There’s also the smaller things you pick up or learn, but the difference is in building for the long-term and the big picture. I take away things I can use straight away and that really hook the kids - but also strategies for their sustained learning and positive attitude to maths.”

“Wonderfully supportive – you share both the challenges and the satisfactions.”

(Conferences delegates)

Find out more about membership here