Cambridge Maths School rated ‘exceptional’ in every category of first-ever Ofsted inspection

Cambridge Maths School – the specialist sixth form college developed in collaboration with the University of Cambridge – has been graded ‘exceptional’ following its first Ofsted inspection. 

The School was opened in September 2023, in Mill Road, Cambridge, by the Eastern Learning Alliance (ELA) – a multi-academy trust with schools across Cambridgeshire and East Anglia. Last year, it celebrated its first students’ A-level results, with more than half of the grades (53%) awarded at A*.

Following the Ofsted inspection in April, the School was rated ‘exceptional’ in all five areas assessed under its new framework: inclusion, leadership and governance, achievement, curriculum and teaching, and participation and development.

Government guidance on the new Ofsted system explains that the ‘exceptional’ grade is only awarded for “practice that is among the very best nationally, which should be shared with other schools or providers to help them improve”.

Leaders and staff at the School have nurtured a “deeply inclusive culture”, inspectors found, and students – who “enjoy the constant debate and discussion in lessons” – make “excellent progress and achieve very highly in examinations”.

Students with barriers to learning, such as special educational needs and/or disabilities, achieve highly, the report also concluded.

Clare Hargraves, Head of School at Cambridge Maths School, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Ofsted report recognises the unique ethos of Cambridge Maths School. Our vision has always been to create a place where a love of mathematics can truly flourish, while opening doors for young people from all backgrounds to access and excel in the mathematical sciences. 

“What makes this community so special is not only the depth of academic challenge, but the warmth, inclusivity and shared sense of purpose that students and staff bring every day. It is inspiring to see our students immerse themselves so fully in their learning, while also embracing the rich range of opportunities beyond the classroom that help them grow in confidence, curiosity and ambition.”

Sixth formers at the School study maths and further maths, and then choose from physics, chemistry, biology or computer science A-levels. Some students come from the city of Cambridge itself, but others travel in from farther afield, including Luton, King’s Lynn, and Peterborough.

At the heart of the School’s vision is a deep commitment to widening participation in the mathematical sciences, particularly for students from underrepresented backgrounds, reflected in its close partnerships with schools and its extensive outreach work. Alongside the academic experience, students benefit from a rich and varied programme of wider opportunities, from research projects, to clubs, competitions, and social activities.

The benefits of the School’s association with the University are also highlighted in the report, including students’ work with Cambridge academics – who act as mentors – and the opportunity to attend University lectures and learn more about how maths is used to respond to real-world challenges. The report also highlights students’ collaborations with University staff during science outreach sessions in the local community, as well as the University’s support in helping students explore their next steps, including applying to university. 

Rajen Shah, Professor of Statistics at the University of Cambridge, and a governor at Cambridge Maths School, said: “The dedication and enthusiasm of students and staff at Cambridge Maths School, and the success of the School’s association with the University, is recognised in this truly exceptional report. We look forward to building on this excellent work and providing even more opportunities for the School and the University to learn from each other and inspire a passion for maths in more young people, regardless of background."