Teenagers “flourish” at Exeter’s outstanding specialist mathematics school, report shows

Teenagers “flourish” academically and personally at Exeter’s unique, outstanding specialist mathematics school, inspectors have said.

Teachers have been praised for their “exceptional” work to support pupils, with Ofsted noting how being at the school helps boost young people’s confidence, self- esteem, relationships and independence.

The Exeter Mathematics School is the only specialist maths school in the South West and is sponsored by Exeter College and the University of Exeter. It provides education for students who have a particular interest in mathematics, physics and computing.

The school has now been rated as outstanding by Ofsted for the third inspection in a row.

The sixth form offers A-levels in STEM subjects, including further maths, which are taught in more depth and rigour. Pupils also get industry experience and complete university-level extended academic projects and can study for other subjects at Exeter College.

The unique school is home to 127 pupils from across Devon, Somerset, Dorset and Cornwall and teenagers from Wiltshire and the greater Bristol area can now apply. Those who live too far away to commute can live in the school’s residential provision on weekdays.

A new inspection has rated this boarding provision as outstanding in all areas. Ofsted inspectors said the actions of those who work in the school “contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for young people”.

Pupils spoke to inspectors enthusiastically about the school and staff and said they enjoyed boarding and feel safe because of the support around them. They said their time boarding at the school had helped to develop life skills and independence.

In their report Ofsted inspectors write students receive support from “an exceptional, warm and nurturing staff team, who support students to progress and develop in preparation for young adulthood”.

Staff were commended for their work to build meaningful relationships with students. Students said highly value these relationships and benefit from spending time with staff.

Parents told inspectors they were extremely happy with the boarding provision, which exceeds their expectations. One parent said that it is a “very nurturing environment that promotes independence, whilst keeping students safe”. Parents said that students settle quickly into boarding, enjoy a range of activities and thoroughly ‘love’ their time at school.

Ofsted praised the strong safeguarding culture at the school and the “confident and inspiring” member of staff who leads the boarding provision, who they said “strives to ensure that students are thriving”. Inspectors said teachers are “passionate about the care they provide students and work consistently to maintain an exceptional standard of support for students”.

Exeter Mathematics School headteacher Kerry Burnham said: “We are very proud of our pupils and the way they care for each other as they board at our school. We are so pleased Ofsted have yet again given us an outstanding rating and have recognised the hard work of our staff who care for the young people who stay with us during the week.

“We have been thrilled to expand our catchment area to the west of England, and in time we hope the Government will support our plans to have new buildings for our pupils who board so we can continue to support them as much as possible.”