Education report highlights West Midlands’ maths school’s mission to widen participation in science

A new report which has found university maths schools improve the academic progress of female pupils, as well as those from under-represented ethnic groups and low socio-economic backgrounds, has been welcomed by the principal of Aston University Mathematics School (AUMS).

An independent evaluation by the Observatory for Mathematical Education has concluded that the institutions not only boost attainment and progression, but also significantly widen participation in maths and STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths).

Founded in partnership with leading universities, the schools use specialist teaching to support talented young people to progress to high-quality degrees and careers.

Key findings of the report include:

• Females, those from under-represented ethnic groups, and low socio-economic backgrounds all progress at higher rates to mathematically intensive degrees than comparable peers elsewhere
• Students are more diverse than those studying A level further mathematics in other settings, in terms of both gender and socio-economic background
• Young people are more likely to achieve the highest grades in A level maths and further mathematics, compared to their peers
• The schools keep more students in the maths ‘pipeline’, with significantly higher progression to mathematical sciences and STEM degrees.

Francis Goodburn (pictured) is the founding principal of AUMS, the specialist university maths school for the West Midlands, which was founded to be a regional centre of excellence. It educates 16- to 19-year-olds who are studying A levels within the mathematical sciences.

Francis said: “Having just opened our doors this September, this report is a timely affirmation of our purpose. We are here to unlock the potential of the most able young mathematicians across the region, particularly those from backgrounds historically under-represented in the mathematical sciences.

“As well as our rigorous sixth form programme, our mission also includes significant outreach to surrounding secondary schools, designed to inspire the next generation and break down barriers to participation.”

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 Janice Kay CBE, chair of the network’s trustees, said: “We know that the UK’s economic future depends on building the pipeline to mathematical sciences and mathematically intensive STEM degrees. We welcome the finding that maths schools keep more students in the mathematics pipeline for longer.”

AUMS, part of the Aston University STEM Education Academy Trust, benefits from the university’s academic expertise and plans to grow to 150 students by its third year of operation.

There are now 11 Maths Schools in the U-Maths network, nine of which are open, with two more planned.

Find out more about AUMS HERE.