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Welcoming our new ambassador, Susan Okereke

2 Nov 2026

This Number Confidence Week, National Numeracy is thrilled to announce that Susan Okereke – maths teacher, communicator and podcaster – has become an ambassador for the charity.

A photo of Susan Okereke with text saying "Welcoming Susan Okereke"

Spreading the message and making maths accessible

Susan is passionate about making maths more accessible and spreading the message that confidence with numbers can transform people’s lives.

As a student she found a love for radio while studying for her Maths and Business degree, and even did production for BBC Radio 1Xtra. Now, alongside teaching in a secondary school, Susan co-hosts the Maths Appeal podcast with fellow National Numeracy Ambassador Bobby Seagull. The pair work to demystify the subject, making it more fun and light, to show that maths really is for everyone. The duo have also made school resources for National Numeracy’s campaigns, such as National Numeracy Day, to foster positive maths attitudes in children of all ages.

"Maths is for everybody," she says. "Everyone can get better at it. You don’t just stop doing it when you’re 16. You do it when you’re in the real world, when you’re working, and we need to be nurturing a more positive attitude around it."

The need to change the conversation

As both a teacher and host, Susan is determined to battle long-lasting maths anxiety and its intergenerational effect.

Speaking to Rotimi Merriman-Johnson, a fellow National Numeracy Ambassador, on his podcast The Mr MoneyJar Show, Susan said: "Some people won’t even try because they’re scared to get it wrong, and it’s a subject that is quite emotional. If people ask me what I do, I’ll say, ‘I’m a maths teacher’, and I can see them feel emotional about the response. You can almost see them back in the classroom where they felt terrified. Those people then have children, and that gets fed down."

Advice for parents supporting children

To parents, Susan says, "Be positive. Even when you're finding something difficult. The difference between people who don't like maths and people who do like maths, is people who don't like maths find something difficult and stop. The people who do like maths find something difficult, work their way through it, get to the end, and feel great on the other side. That is what you should hopefully be showing your child. You don't get born with the answers, it takes time – but that's where the fun is."

Joining the charity as an ambassador

Susan says:

"As a maths teacher and communicator, I know that a great maths education can transform lives, yet too many young people leave school lacking the confidence to use numbers in the real world. This gap doesn't just limit people’s opportunities and potential, it impacts our economy. Whether I’m teaching in a maths classroom, facilitating teacher training, or co-hosting the Maths Appeal podcast, I work to challenge negative perceptions of maths by making content that is accessible, fun and confidence-building.

"I sincerely believe that number confidence is an essential life skill, just like reading and writing, and as a National Numeracy Ambassador I am excited to help build a more number-confident future for our young people and communities, and prove that anyone can be good with numbers. I believe maths is everywhere and for everyone and we need to start seeing maths education as a lifelong journey."

Sam Sims, Chief Executive of National Numeracy, says:

"Susan has been long time friend and supporter of National Numeracy, so we are delighted to welcome her officially as out newest ambassador. Her advice and insight have helped shape our campaigns, particularly our work with schools and families.

"As our work in education grows, including reaching more secondary schools, it’s vital that teachers’ voices help guide us. Susan brings first-hand understanding of what schools need and the challenges young people and their families face in building confidence with numbers. We’re excited to build on everything we’ve already done together."

Supporting Number Confidence Week

Susan joins us in time for Number Confidence Week, which runs from 2-8 November. With this year’s theme of ‘Count on Your Community’, we’re inviting people across the UK to help create spaces where everyone can talk openly about numbers, feel safe making mistakes, and take steps together to build their confidence. With free toolkits for schools and adults there’s something for everyone. Check it out today!

Head to the Number Confidence Week homepage

You can also explore some of Susan’s activities and resources here:

Susan's ambassador hub

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