National 5 Maths: A Guide to Trusted Resources

Families often ask whether Mint Maths has a full National 5 course. We're putting it together with the same clear explanations and step-by-step structure you'll find across Mint; but it will take time to develop to the standard students deserve.

While that work continues, many learners need help now to begin to understand N5 Maths. To support them, we've gathered a selection of free resources that teachers trust and students find genuinely helpful.

This guide isn't a ranking or endorsement of any publisher. It's simply a curated list of tools that can help students make steady progress while we develop the full Mint N5 programme.

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What National 5 Maths is all about

N5 Maths develops the skills needed to understand mathematical ideas, use precise language, and apply techniques with confidence. It marks the shift from concrete, real-world maths to more abstract thinking: recognising patterns, working with symbols, and building logical arguments.

For many students, not only is this step up significant, but it forms the foundation for Higher Maths and STEM-related career pathways.

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Teacher-led video lessons

Clelland Maths (YouTube) A large collection of topic-by-topic explanations and worked examples, including full walk-throughs of past paper questions.

Mr Thomas (YouTube) Clear teaching videos covering the full N5 course, with additional support for past paper practice.

Both teachers have distinct styles, so students may find one approach resonates more than the other.

DLBmaths (YouTube) A long-standing student favourite. His videos break down exam questions and marking approaches in a way that blends revision with exam technique. No new uploads since 2021, but the existing content still remains valuable.

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Worksheets and practice questions

Maths.scot A directory of free resources with links to practice questions for every N5 topic. Some materials link to external worksheets or videos, which can help students find a style that suits them.

BBC Bitesize  Covers the full N5 course with teaching notes, short videos, and quizzes. The explanations use formal mathematical language and the formatting can be challenging for some learners, so it often works best as revision once a topic has been introduced in class. A helpful approach is to try the quiz first, and then revisit the lesson section for extra clarity.

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Textbooks students often prefer

Mint isn't affiliated with any publisher, but students frequently mention these as helpful:

TeeJay National 5 Approachable explanations, plenty of practice questions, and revision-style reminders. Also available digitally.

TeeJay National 5 Book 4+ Useful for students beginning the N5 course or those who need a gentler transition from earlier levels.

Zeta Press Minimal teaching text with lots of structured practice. Works well as a classroom supplement or quick refresher.

Leckie Student Book Packed with hints, tips and links between topics - helpful for exam preparation. Some students find the layout busy, so previewing a few pages online is worthwhile.

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Revision guides

How to Pass Clear advice on exam technique and gaining method marks, written in a student-friendly way.

Bright Red Study Guide Popular for its concise reminders and "things to think about" prompts that help students focus on key ideas.

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Revision checklists

Hyndland Secondary School A helpful summary of the skills required for the N5 exam, ideal for quick review.

Zeta Maths Short explanations and examples of each skill, supporting targeted revision.

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Looking ahead

As we build our National 5 course, our priority is to create something that genuinely supports students: clear teaching, structured practice, and the confidence that comes from understanding, not memorising.

Until then, these resources offer a strong starting point. Every learner is different, so exploring a few options can help students find the explanations and formats that work best for them.

If there's something specific you'd like us to cover with Mint teaching, we're always happy to help.