A network of maths hubs has launched in England, focusing on raising the standard of the subject, the Department for Education has revealed.

The scheme will see 32 schools and academy trusts develop and promote best practice in their respective regions, delivering a practical and effective model for schools in their area.

Education minister Elizabeth Truss explained that this will ensure that the UK can compete with countries like Japan, Singapore and China, where young people tend to record high levels of attainment in maths.

The initiative will see 'pace-setters' utilise some of the approaches practised by teachers in Asian countries, which have proven to be successful in equipping youngsters with skills in the core subject.

It is also hoped that the network will foster a new culture of appreciation for maths, which will be best demonstrated through creative and focused teaching. To support this development, 50 teachers from Shanghai will be 'embedded' in the hubs to run masterclasses.

The hubs will seek to develop a better understanding of formal maths, which includes columnar addition and subtraction, long multiplication and division, and make resources available online so that teachers across the UK will have access to the same material.

"We must learn from the systematic practice of these high achieving countries, who are constantly seeking to improve," commented Ms Truss. "Maths hubs will bring this approach to all parts of the country and all schools will be able to benefit.

"Maths is the most important subject for a child’s future - it commands the highest earnings, provides the best protection against unemployment and will get you everywhere, opening doors to dozens of careers."

One of the institutions signed up to the scheme is Fox Primary School in London, which already delivers maths to a high standard. One approach that has proven to be effective here is providing feedback quickly.