New report highlights Exeter Maths School’s impact on maths and science success

A new national study has found that specialist maths schools are helping to improve social mobility across the UK, with Exeter Mathematics School (EMS) identified as one of the leading examples in the South West.The report, carried out by the Observatory for Mathematical Education (OME), found that university-sponsored maths schools are helping more young people from under-represented backgrounds to achieve top A-level grades and progress to highly selective STEM degrees.

Researchers said students at maths schools are more diverse than those studying A-level further mathematics in mainstream settings, particularly in terms of gender and socio-economic background. They are also more likely to achieve top grades and continue into university-level science and maths courses, including at Oxbridge.

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The Exeter Mathematics School, jointly sponsored by Exeter College and the University of Exeter, is currently the only maths school in the South West. 

Open to students from across Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Cornwall, Wiltshire and the Bristol area, the school provides in-depth teaching in maths and science alongside research projects, industry experience, and the chance to study other subjects at Exeter College.

Headteacher Kerry Burnham said the findings reflected the progress seen locally: “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.”

The school currently teaches 127 pupils, with weekday residential provision available for those living too far away to commute. Burnham added that the school hopes to expand but is awaiting ministerial approval for a larger building.

The University of Exeter has been a key partner in the school since it opened.

Professor Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova, Vice-President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Impact), said: “The Exeter Mathematics School is so special because of the talented and passionate teachers and students, and the pioneering, unconstrained curriculum. All involved should be so proud about how they have raised the ambitions of young people in the South West.”

Professor Janice Kay CBE, former University of Exeter Provost and now Chair of Trustees of the U-Maths network, also welcomed the report: “We know that the UK’s economic future depends on building the pipeline to mathematical sciences and mathematically intensive STEM degrees. We are particularly pleased that female students, those from under-represented ethnicities and low socio-economic backgrounds progress at a higher rate than equivalent students in other settings.”

The evaluation comes ten years after the first maths schools were launched. 

There are now nine across England, with more planned, and advocates argue the Exeter school shows the model can transform opportunities for students across the country.