Maths school

Each maths school is sponsored by a university[2] and, frequently, also a nearby established sixth form college or multi-academy trust.

[4] Maths schools receive additional funding from central government, above what a standard sixth form college would receive, with the aim of providing an enriched curriculum and student experience, so that students are better prepared for studies in mathematics or related subjects at competitive universities, or for careers requiring high levels of mathematical skill.

[4] Maths schools are selective and all students seeking to apply must have, at minimum, a grade 8 in GCSE mathematics.

Maths schools can also be centres of excellence in raising attainment, supporting and influencing the teaching of mathematics in their surrounding area, and are central to their associated universities’ widening participation commitments.

Outreach programmes are complemented by maths hubs, regional leadership networks for mathematical improvement.

[9] Maths schools were conceptualised by Dominic Cummings during his time as adviser to Education Secretary Michael Gove in 2010.

[22] In September 2019, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced a plan to establish nine more specialist maths schools (for a total of eleven), with four already in development in Cambridge, Lancaster, Liverpool and Surrey.

[23] At the 2019 Conservative Party Conference it was announced that the eleven maths school would consist of at least one in every region of England and the establishment of one in Durham was confirmed.