King's Maths School is one of a number of schools transforming outcomes for young people
A landmark new study shows that University Maths Schools are having a transformative impact on the lives of young people across England. Maths Schools such as King's Maths School not only boost attainment and progression in Maths A-levels, but also significantly widen participation in STEM subjects amongst those from under-represented groups.
Founded in partnership with King's College London in 2014, King's Maths School is one of 11 Maths Schools partnered with universities that aim to widen participation in mathematical sciences, immersing young people from under-represented backgrounds in specialist teaching, a research-rich enrichment, and an inclusive community.
The independent evaluation of Maths Schools was carried out by the Observatory for Mathematical Education (OME). The findings reveal that Maths Schools see more female students and those from under-represented ethnic groups and low socio-economic backgrounds studying A-level Further Mathematics than elsewhere. Students are also more likely to achieve the highest grades in A-level Mathematics and Further Mathematics compared to their peers.
Maths Schools see significantly higher progression to mathematical sciences and STEM degrees, including amongst under-represented groups, who progress at higher rates to STEM degrees than comparable peers elsewhere. Maths School students also progress to the UK's most selective STEM universities including Oxbridge, at significantly higher rates than their matched peers.
I'm immensely proud of King's College London Mathematics School which delivers life-changing opportunities to young people in London."
Professor Shitij Kapur, Vice-Chancellor & President, King's College London
Most recently in August 2025, King's Maths School saw record results, with 70% A*, 92.2% A*-A and 95.7% A*-B grades across Maths, Further Maths & Physics A Levels. It also saw 39% of leavers secure places at Oxford and Cambridge, with the vast majority of other applicants going on to highly competitive universities such as Warwick, Durham, Bath and UCL
The School was awarded the titles of Sixth Form College of the Year 2025, and Sixth Form College of the Year for Academic Excellence 2025 by the Sunday Times in the 'Parent Power' schools guide.
Professor Shitij Kapur, Vice-Chancellor & President, King's College London, said "I'm immensely proud of King's College London Mathematics School which delivers life-changing opportunities to young people in London.
"This new report confirms that Maths Schools partnered with the country's leading universities are empowering greater numbers of talented, young people from under-represented groups to progress to high-quality STEM degrees and careers, driving social mobility and diversifying the STEM talent pool."
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."
Professor Dame Alison Wolf DBE, Baroness Wolf of Dulwich, King's College London, said, "Attending a Maths School raises students' achievement levels well above where they would otherwise have been. It is a testament to the schools, teachers and students, and also to the whole idea of specialist state mathematics schools."
