Introducing the 2026/27 Junior Mentor Programme
The Junior Mentor Programme allows schools to reach even more pupils with the heart and head for maths by inviting sixth formers to become mentors in maths circles. We offer great materials to prepare them for the role, and we fund schools to pay Junior Mentors for their dedication to the programme.
How to join
If you are already working with us, you can express your interest to join the Junior Mentor Programme when you complete your recontracting form.
New schools can express interest after they attend an introductory webinar.
Whether you are new to Axiom Maths or not, please read all of the details below before applying for the Junior Mentor Programme.
Junior Mentor Programme FAQs
What is a Junior Mentor?
- A sixth form student studying A level maths who wants to support younger pupils to develop problem-solving skills and behaviours.
- Please note that only Junior Mentors in sixth form will be paid, and this will be based on the sessions they have supported. You may work with Year 11 or younger, but these pupils cannot be considered part of the Junior Mentor Programme.
Who should use Junior Mentors?
- Schools who want to offer their maths circle to more than 10 pupils.
What do I need to do to prepare and support my Junior Mentors?
- Ensure all Junior Mentors attend an initial online training session run by Axiom Maths. We also recommend schools run the “Training for Junior Mentors” sessions to supplement this. Resources can be found in the programme guide and the Hub.
- Support Junior Mentors through a plan-deliver-review cycle weekly. The mentor should lead this. A plan-deliver-review cycle consists of:
- Plan = Junior Mentors spend time with the Maths Excellence Coordinator or mentor to plan the delivery of the upcoming maths circle session
- Deliver = Junior Mentors support the delivery of the maths circle
- Review = Junior Mentors debrief with the Maths Excellence Coordinator or mentor, identifying successes, areas for development and action steps
- Confirm that Junior Mentors have access to session materials and have familiarised themselves with these before the planning session
- Ensure the mentor delivering the session is always in the room throughout the maths circle. They are responsible for leading the whole group, launching the session and bringing it back together to summarise as appropriate. Junior Mentors work with smaller sub-circles as pupils solve the problems. This is necessary for both safeguarding and monitoring the quality of Junior Mentors’ delivery.
What are the expectations of Junior Mentors?
- Commit to their role as a Junior Mentor for the entire 26/27 academic year
- Spend time preparing for every session, familiarising themselves with session materials, watching the training videos from the Hub, and taking part in planning sessions