University maths schools are driving social mobility and success, analysis shows

University-sponsored maths sixth forms such as the Exeter Mathematics School are having a transformative impact on the lives of young people across England, a landmark new study shows.

The independent evaluation by the Observatory for Mathematical Education (OME) finds the specialist schools boost attainment and progression and significantly widen participation in mathematics and STEM.

The analysis shows female students, those from under-represented ethnic groups, and those from low socio-economic backgrounds all progress at higher rates to mathematically intensive STEM degrees than comparable peers elsewhere. It shows:

• Maths school students are more diverse than those studying A-level further mathematics in other settings, in terms of both gender and socio-economic background.
• Students are more likely to achieve the highest grades in A-level mathematics and further mathematics, with exceptional value-added compared to their peers.
• Maths schools keep more students in the mathematics ‘pipeline’, with significantly higher progression to mathematical sciences and STEM degrees.
• Students progress to the UK’s most selective STEM universities, including Oxbridge, at significantly higher rates than their matched peers.

The specialist schools immerse students in the challenge, creativity and life-changing opportunities of mathematics. Founded in partnership with leading universities, they combine specialist teaching, research-rich enrichment, and an inclusive community where students thrive. They are engines of social mobility, supporting talented young people to progress to high-quality STEM degrees and careers.

First launched by the coalition government and expanded under Theresa May, there are now 11 Maths Schools in the U-Maths network. Nine are open, with two more planned – in the North East (Durham University) and East Midlands (University of Nottingham) – both currently awaiting government approval. If confirmed, every region of England will have at least one maths school.

The Exeter Mathematics School, a specialist sixth form, is the only specialist maths school in the South West and is sponsored by Exeter College and the University of Exeter.

It 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.

Dan Abramson, CEO of the University Maths Schools Network, said: “Compared with their matched peers, students at maths schools achieve higher A-Level grades and progress to more selective universities, with the most pronounced benefits for girls and those from low-income backgrounds. University maths schools give students with a spark for maths the chance to thrive, whatever their background. Ten years on from their establishment, this study proves that the schools are fulfilling their mission to be engines of social mobility and nurture a new generation of mathematical scientists.”

Kerry Burnham, Headteacher of Exeter Mathematics School, said: “This report is encouraging in that it provides statistical evidence to support what we witness day to day: that our students have a life-enhancing experience, not only achieving strong educational outcomes but also being well prepared for their next steps.  We’re particularly pleased to see the positive outcomes for students who are typically under-represented in the mathematical sciences. 

“Our hope is to be able to extend our offer to more students, drawn from across the whole of the South West, but first we need ministerial approval for a suitable school building.  I hope this report may be helpful in demonstrating that investing in extending this offer will be good for students, for social mobility and effective addressing the national skills gap for STEM.” 

Professor Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova, University of Exeter Vice-President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Impact), who played a key role in supporting the launch of Exeter Mathematics School, and has set research projects for pupils since, said: “The Exeter Mathematics School is so special because of the talented and passionate teachers and students, and the pioneering, unconstrained, and unbeatable curriculum at the school. All involved should be so proud about how they have raised the ambitions of young people in the South West. The Exeter Maths School is an exemplar of what can be achieved to help young people reach their potential.”

Professor Janice Kay CBE, Chair of Trustees, U-Maths and former Provost of the University of Exeter, said: “We know that the UK’s economic future depends on building the pipeline to mathematical sciences and mathematically intensive STEM degrees. We welcome the finding that maths schools keep more students in the mathematics pipeline for longer and we are particularly pleased that female students, those from under-represented ethnicities and/or low socio-economic status progress at a higher rate to those degrees than equivalent students in other settings.”