Exeter Maths School gets top marks from Ofsted inspectors
One of England’s first mathematics free schools has achieved the highest possible rating in its first Ofsted inspection, and has been rated Outstanding in all categories.
The Exeter Mathematics School, one of only two sixth forms in the country to specialise in mathematics and physics, has been praised for its ‘outstanding pastoral and academic support,’ ‘consistently high quality teaching’, ‘success in exam results’ and nurturing of ‘the whole learner at the heart of all activities.”
The sixth form offers young people in the South West who show potential to do well in maths, physics and computer science the chance to study a challenging curriculum, and work with academics at the University of Exeter.
Exeter maths school is the second best school in the region for overall results.
It is rated the top state school in the South West for progress overall, as well as in mathematics.
Ofsted praised the school’s inclusive nature and its use of bursary grants to ‘ensure that learners from lower-income families were not excluded from applying’. The report found ‘no significant differences in outcomes’ between ‘learners from lower income families’ and other learners.
The school has a boarding house, which allows students from throughout Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset to attend, as well as children in local-authority care.
The school, where a quarter of students have a learning disability or learning difficulty, was praised for its focus on the personal development of students and for putting ‘the whole learner at the heart of all activities.”
Ofsted concluded that students at the Exeter maths school not only ‘become extremely confident mathematicians and scientists’ but ‘develop an excellent attitude to learning’, ‘behave very well’ and have ‘excellent attendance.”
The school, which has been ranked ahead of thousands of others in national league tables is the first university-sponsored mathematics 6th form to receive an outstanding judgement from Ofsted.
The School set up two years ago is sponsored by the University of Exeter and Exeter College, which OFSTED praised for helping to set the school’s core vision and values, enabling ‘learners to flourish.”
Last summer, 79 per cent or students at the maths school got an A*, A, or B in their A-levels, and half of all A-level results were an A* or A grade. More than half secured places at Russell Group universities, and a total of 18.3 per cent of students were offered Oxbridge places.
Head teacher Kerry Burnham said: “We are delighted with the findings of Ofsted. It’s incredibly gratifying to have the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, governors and sponsors recognised in this report. I am particularly pleased to have our commitment to equality of access and student support acknowledged and valued. This is just the beginning for us and we will continue to strive to improve further.”
The school, which has 118 students, was set up in 2014 to raise aspiration among teenagers in the region and boost the supply of capable undergraduates in mathematics, statistics and computer science.
Ofsted, which inspected the school in January, said academics at the University of Exeter set projects for students which helped ‘learners develop the ability to work independently, carry out research assiduously and present their findings confidently.”
Professor Janice Kay, Provost of the University of Exeter who was instrumental in establishing the school, said:
“We are delighted with this latest recognition of Exeter Math’s School’s outstanding provision. OFSTED praised the culture brought to EMS through integrated partnership with the University and Exeter College and how this cultivates the talents of young mathematicians and scientists. This approach is bringing real benefit to young people, including those who have not previously had the opportunity to fulfil their potential and we are incredibly proud that all students go on to secure University offers and over 50% are at Russell group institutions. Support for the Maths school is part of Exeter University’s extensive outreach programme supporting schools in the region.”
The Ofsted inspectors found that the school was outstanding in all possible categories including: Overall effectiveness; effectiveness of leadership and management; quality of teaching, learning and assessment; personal development, behaviour and welfare; outcomes for learners; 16 to 19 study programmes
The report concluded that “teachers and support staff employ their excellent knowledge and understanding of each learner to provide outstanding pastoral and academic support, which contribute to learners’ excellent attainment of high grades in examinations, and significantly improve their personal skills.”
It added: “Learners and staff pursue their passion for mathematics and science creatively by experimenting, challenging, debating and collaborating with each other.”
John Laramy, Principle of Exeter College which sponsors the school alongside the University of Exeter, said:
'I am absolutely delighted that the Exeter Maths School has been rated as Outstanding, just 2 years after opening. It demonstrates what can be achieved, when a world class Russell Group University and an Outstanding College work in partnership, with a clear vision to create something exceptional. It is very gratifying to see that the school, under Kerry's excellent leadership has delivered on its mission and made a real difference to gifted young mathematicians and scientists right across the South West.”
