Universities in England can now apply to open specialist 16-19 maths schools.

First announced in the government’s 2017 industrial strategy, maths schools are specialist schools for the most mathematically able 16-19 year olds. They aim to prepare students for maths-related disciplines at universities and pursue mathematically intensive careers.

Universities hoping to establish maths schools must show strong engagement and a commitment to the day to day involvement in running the school including providing: curriculum support through project work and master classes; access to resources such as lecturers and facilities; careers advice; and links to business and industry.

Maths schools not only aim to raise participation and attainment in maths for their own students, but must also be able to support and influence the teaching of maths in the local area, and contribute to the university’s widening participation commitments.

This recent expansion of the maths school initiative follows the success of two already existing maths schools supported by the universities of King’s College London and Exeter.

Each maths schools will receive £350,000 additional funding every year, on top of its post-16 funding allocation, specifically to support maths.