Exeter Mathematics School has been named as The Sunday Times Sixth Form College of the Year.
The state-funded School is just four years old, and is jointly sponsored by the University of Exeter and Exeter College. Parent Power, The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2019, published in The Sunday Times and online this Sunday, November 25.
The 120 students at Exeter Mathematics School achieved outstanding A-level success with 56% of students getting at least AAB in two or more facilitating subjects in 2017.
The school is second in the table of sixth form colleges this year, with only last year’s winner, King’s College London Mathematics School, ahead of it.
The 26th edition of Parent Power identifies the 2,000 highest-achieving schools in the UK, ranked by their recent examination results. It is widely acknowledged as the most authoritative survey of the country’s best schools.
Alastair McCall, editor of Parent Power, said: “In four short years, Exeter Maths School has made a great name for itself. Focussed on excellence in subject areas in which there are national shortages, the school is an outstanding option for children in the region.
“Teachers are passionate about their subject and the tailored intake ensures all pupils are, too. This creates an atmosphere where boundaries of knowledge are pushed and children are intellectually extended as a routine part of the school day.”
Exeter Mathematics School is one of only two “free” schools for enthusiastic young mathematicians and scientists in England. The sixth form offers young people in the South West who show potential the chance to study in an exciting and challenging environment.
Headteacher, Kerry Burnham, said: “We’re delighted to be recognised for providing students with an education that prepares them well for future study and employment. Establishing a school in which facilitating STEM subjects are at the core has enabled us to nurture tomorrow’s mathematicians, scientists and engineers with a truly innovative curriculum. The support from our Sponsors –the University of Exeter and Exeter College – together with input from industry partners has led to the creation of a first class opportunity for students from across the South West.”
Students work with University of Exeter academics and companies such as Dyson and the National Hydrographic Office to complete research into topics such as autonomous flight, artificial gills and neurons. They also complete the Exeter Mathematics Certificate (EMC): a course that enables students to develop research skills whilst exploring a subject of interest. Students study in groups in their first year, completing projects set by industry experts and academics. They achieve the full certificate by completing a piece of individual research in their final year.
With increasing demand for competent mathematicians, the government is committed to opening more schools like the Exeter Mathematics School across the country as part of its Industrial Strategy and teachers are sharing their curriculum with colleagues elsewhere.
John Laramy, Principal and CEO of Exeter College said: “Exeter College, as co-sponsor of the Exeter Maths School, alongside the world class University of Exeter, is delighted that the performance of the school has been recognised by the Sunday Times in this way. The students and staff, have under Kerry’s leadership developed what has quickly become an ‘exemplar’ for maths focused advanced level study, working seemly in partnership with a University and an Ofsted Outstanding Tertiary College – many congratulations to everyone involved”
Professor Janice Kay, Provost of the University of Exeter, said: “This outstanding news is well-deserved recognition of the excellence of our Exeter Maths School, of which we’re all incredibly proud. In such a short time, our successful partnership has built up a centre of teaching excellence and a culture of learning that’s available to students of all background. I’m delighted to see this national acclaim and really excited to see what our graduates go on to achieve.”
