For years, schools have relied on remediation programs to help struggling maths students, such as small groups, extra tutoring, or targeted catch-up work. While well-intentioned, this approach is inherently reactive. By the time intervention begins, the learning gap has already widened.Research shows that students who start behind often stay behind without early, targeted support. A 2024 study published in the International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education found that delayed intervention significantly reduces long-term retention and motivation compared to timely, personalised feedback (Springer, 2024).

Why prevention works better

Preventing learning gaps means identifying and addressing misunderstandings as they appear, not months later. This is the foundation of a mastery-based, personalised approach: students only move forward when they’ve demonstrated understanding, ensuring knowledge builds steadily rather than shakily.

According to the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), ongoing diagnostic assessments, sometimes called “just-in-time teaching” are among the most effective ways to close gaps before they grow (IES, 2023).

When prevention is prioritised, teachers spend less time reteaching and more time supporting meaningful progress.

How Maths Pathway puts prevention into practice

At Maths Pathway, this shift from remediation to prevention is built into the model.

• Continuous diagnostics identify every student’s current knowledge and pinpoint exactly where support is needed.

• Mastery-based progression ensures students don’t move on until they’ve achieved deep understanding.

• Personalised learning pathways adapt lessons and tasks to each student’s unique needs.

• Teacher dashboards and insights allow educators to focus time where it matters most.

Schools using Maths Pathway report significant improvements in growth rates and engagement,  with students achieving up to 1.6 years of learning in a single year when core mastery principles are consistently applied (Maths Pathway Case Study).

A smarter way forward

Rethinking maths support isn’t about doing more intervention, it’s about needing less of it. When learning gaps are prevented early, students stay confident, teachers stay supported, and schools see stronger long-term outcomes.

It’s time to stop catching up, and start staying ahead.

👉 Explore how Maths Pathway helps schools build mastery-based learning