A specialist school created to deliver world-class maths education in Lancashire has received a glowing report by Ofsted inspectors.

The Lancaster University School of Mathematics (LUSoM), which opened in September 2022 and is housed within £8.5 million purpose-built facilities in Preston has been graded as ‘Outstanding’ in every area in its first ever full Ofsted report.

Delivering A-Level education in mathematical sciences and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects to the most able students from across Lancashire and north west England, LUSoM is a collaboration between two outstanding education providers, Lancaster University, which is consistently ranked among the best in the UK and top 10 in the Complete University Guide league table, and Cardinal Newman College, one of the highest performing Sixth Form Colleges nationally, based on A-Level progress.

The current Ofsted reporting system rates schools across several areas, including: the quality of education; behaviour and attitudes; personal development; leadership and management; education programmes for young people; and overall effectiveness. LUSoM achieved the top rating across the board.

Exam results last year saw LUSoM amongst the top state sixth form providers in the whole of the north of England in both attainment and value-added measures. A huge 85% of all grades were A*-B, with 65% A*/A and 30% A*, the average grade being A-. Students from the school went off to study at Lancaster University and other top universities, and others went on to prestigious degree apprenticeships with BAE and Dyson.

Ofsted were highly complimentary about the atmosphere and culture within the school, commenting in their report that "students are extremely positive about the school and enjoy working alongside peers who share similar interests. They appreciate the inclusive culture where students can be themselves and where expertise and enthusiasm for learning are celebrated."

Alongside their A-levels, students benefit from project work with academic mentors from Lancaster University departments including its School of Mathematical Sciences - one of the most highly ranked Maths departments across UK universities - and a bespoke careers programme. Ofsted’s report praised the school for their work, stating that "students benefit from very effective careers advice and guidance. They value frequent encounters with higher education institutions and employers and are very well informed about their next steps and progress to positive destinations. Students complete projects to further their love of mathematics and related disciplines, they use their projects to identify the specialisms that they would like to pursue further at university or in their future careers."

Head of LUSoM Pete Tiltman said: "With overall grading disappearing from Ofsted reports in September, what was really important for us was the recognition of the extra work which staff and students do, highlighting the opportunities that LUSoM offers beyond the standard A-level curriculum. We pride ourselves on the innovative project work and strong links with the university which feeds the enthusiasm of our students and creates a culture of learning."

Ofsted were also complimentary about the teaching at LUSoM, which currently has 102 students, saying "teachers teach consistently high-quality lessons using a range of techniques. They use questioning techniques purposefully to encourage students’ curiosity and to model critical thinking."

Mr Tiltman added to the praise for the staff: "To be part of a new school, starting from scratch and designing a unique curriculum not inhibited by exam specifications is a huge task requiring a deep knowledge and love for their subject. Allied with the outreach work which our staff get involved in just shows how committed they are to LUSoM. It's a wonderful team effort."

Professor Wendy Robinson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education at Lancaster University, said: “This is excellent news for the school and young people in our region. These results are a recognition of the dedication the Lancaster University School of Mathematics shows to supporting young mathematicians, enabling them to excel in a key skill set, opening doors to future study, careers and life changing opportunities.”

The state-of-the-art LUSoM building is also the teaching location for students who enrol on a range of Lancaster University STEM Foundation Year Courses.

More information about the Foundation Year Courses is available by visiting https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/uk-foundation-year/