Lancaster University welcomes a landmark new study showing that University Maths Schools are having a transformative impact on the lives of young people across England.

The independent evaluation by the Observatory for Mathematical Education (OME)finds that Maths Schools not only boost attainment and progression, but also significantly widen participation in mathematics and STEM.

Lancaster University, in partnership with Cardinal Newman College, launched the Lancaster University School of Mathematics in 2022 delivering world-class mathematics education for 16 to 18 year-olds from across Lancashire.

Key findings from the OME report include:

• 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.
• 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 at Maths Schools progress to the UK’s most selective STEM universities, including Oxbridge, at significantly higher rates than their matched peers.

University Maths 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.

There are now 11 Maths schools in the U-Maths network, including the Lancaster University School of Mathematics (LUSoM), which is based in Preston.

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 Alisdair Gillespie, Lancaster University’s Academic Dean, said: “Lancaster University welcomes this report, which shows the importance of Maths Schools. We are very proud of LUSoM and this report echoes what we have seen there. We have seen excellent A-level results, and many students have progressed to leading universities or high-performing apprenticeships.

“Increasing participation in STEM, particularly by those who have traditionally been underrepresented, is vital for both the country and the region, and Lancaster University is delighted to support this through its participation in LUSoM.”

Peter Tiltman, Head of School at LUSoM, said: “We're delighted that the report highlights the great work done by maths schools around the country and shows what a transformative effect they are having. Since LUSoM opened we have seen similar results to the report in both the attainment and progress made by our students as well as their destinations when they leave us. Most importantly, the number of students taking Further Maths A-level in the county has risen by around a third already with further increases expected in the next couple of years. With the county putting itself at the heart of the Government's cyber strategy, we are equipping the students of Lancashire with the skills needed to meet those demands and boost the local economy.”