Specialist maths schools

Links between schools and universities have the potential to raise attainment. The challenge is to make the best use of relationships to add real value to teaching and learning at school and to raise attainment levels as a result. One of the options is to focus on particular disciplines.

The University of Exeter, King’s College London and the University of Liverpool have developed specialist maths schools, to offer both outstanding secondary education for pupils and to support other schools’ teaching of maths and other STEM subjects.

What makes this school so special is the link between the school and the university. We are using personnel at the university to enhance the experience of pupils.

Dan Abramson, Head Teacher
King’s College London Mathematics School

These schools are the only university-sponsored mathematics schools in the country, with selection processes designed to identify those with the potential to flourish in a specialist mathematics environment.

Students attending the Exeter Mathematics School are mentored by mathematics undergraduates from the university and work with their peers from across the South West of England. The aim is to broaden students’ outlook and for the experience to be a useful stepping-stone to university.

The schools aim to provide an education for their students that is engaging and challenging, inspiring their curiosity and motivating an interest in further study. But more than that, the schools are working to improve maths education more widely through their outreach and professional development work with teachers – and by acting as hubs to engage schools throughout their regions.

The King’s College London Mathematics School works with the university to run a Further Mathematics course for new teachers to develop their subject knowledge. Funded by the London Schools Excellence Fund, the course offers new teachers core training days at the Mathematics School and assigns each participant a senior mentor who will visit the teacher at their own school.

The University of Liverpool Maths School is unique in the North West of England and delivers a stimulating academic curriculum focused around A Levels in Maths, Further Maths, Computer Science and Physics.

Founded by, and drawing upon the expertise of the University of Liverpool, the School offers A Level students the opportunity to take their studies to the next level, with masterclasses from leading lecturers, support from PhD and undergraduate students, plus exciting research projects and careers guidance.

Related case studies

Supporting local schools

Russell Group universities are working with schools to help them improve over time, providing academic support by creating challenging curriculum materials and devising projects to enthuse and engage students.

Read more >

Widening access through community engagement

University of Bristol’s BA in English Literature and Community Engagement (ELCE) is a key feature of the university’s widening participation programme.

Read more >