The mathematics laboratory that sits alongside King's College London is unlike any other sixth form in Britain. In 2024, King's College London Maths School achieved results that place it at the absolute pinnacle nationally: 77% of A-level grades were A*, and 100% were A* to B. These figures rank the school 1st in England for A-level performance (FindMySchool ranking), making entry fiercely selective for the 140 annual places across mathematics, further mathematics, and physics A-levels.
This is a specialist institution where every student reads mathematics (or further mathematics) with physics and typically one other subject. Founded in 2014 as a partnership between King's College London and the London Mathematics Society, the school occupies a purpose-built campus in Kennington, moments from the university's historic buildings on the Strand. The curriculum is not a typical sixth form experience; it is mathematics education elevated to research level, taught by specialists many of whom hold doctorates and conduct their own research in the discipline.
The school's identity is unequivocal: this is a place where mathematical thinking is not peripheral but the lens through which all learning is viewed. For the right student, this offers a pathway to competitive universities and research careers. For the uninitiated, the intensity can feel overwhelming.
Walking through the entrance reveals spaces designed deliberately around mathematical work. The open-plan corridors display problem boards and challenge questions. Whiteboards dominate the walls. Students cluster during breaks, discussing past paper solutions or working through extension problems voluntarily. The atmosphere feels less like a traditional sixth form and more like an early glimpse of university life in a research department.
Dr Jonathan Pitts, who became Headmaster in 2022, previously led mathematics departments in highly selective London independent schools. His appointment underscored the school's commitment to deepening its research partnerships with King's College London. The school's partnership with the university extends beyond simply sharing a name; final-year students access university lecture series, and the university's laboratories and libraries are available to students pursuing extended project work.
The buildings themselves are modern and functional rather than atmospheric. Purpose-built facilities include mathematics-specific laboratories with advanced computational equipment, breaking from the conventional science block model. The library holds specialist texts and journals, supporting the research culture that defines upper-sixth work.
Student diversity is significant. Roughly 45% of students come from independent school backgrounds; 55% from state schools, primarily from selective schools in London and the South East. International students comprise approximately 8% of the cohort, predominantly from mathematics olympiad backgrounds across Europe and Asia.
The community here is unambiguously driven by intellectual ambition. Students speak often of the challenge and rigour. Teachers describe a peer group where mathematical discussion is the norm, not an outlier. This creates an environment that can feel both genuinely collaborative and intensely competitive.
The A-level data tells the story with precision. In 2024, 77% of entries achieved grade A*, 20% achieved A, and fewer than 1% achieved B. Across all subjects, 100% of grades fell in the A* to B range. These figures place King's College London Maths School in the elite tier nationally (FindMySchool data), ranking 1st in England for A-level performance.
Three-quarters of A-level entries in mathematics achieve A*. This reflects curriculum depth beyond the standard specification. The school adds extended content in abstract algebra, linear algebra, and differential equations. Students regularly encounter problem-solving that extends into university-level territory. Internal examinations include problems from past university entrance papers and olympiad-style challenges.
Further mathematics results are exceptional. The subject attracts students planning mathematics or physics degrees at competitive universities. Mean scores consistently place the school among the very highest achievers nationally. The further mathematics curriculum includes complex analysis, statistical mechanics, and decision mathematics extensions.
Physics A-level results mirror the rigour of mathematics teaching. The school's approach integrates theoretical physics with problem-solving in applied mathematics, meaning physics students benefit from mathematics expertise unavailable in most sixth forms. Experimental work takes place in university laboratories, supported by links with King's College London's physics department.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
99.53%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
The pedagogy here is neither traditional classroom instruction nor abstract university-style lectures. Instead, teaching combines rigorous explanation with deep problem-based learning. Teachers expect students to engage with problems above their current level, attempting solutions, failing productively, and iterating.
The curriculum is knowledge-rich but also skills-focused. Beyond procedural fluency, the school emphasises mathematical communication, pattern recognition, and proof-writing. Year 12 units include foundational university skills: mathematical notation, formal proofs, and academic writing standards.
Timetabled lessons are complemented by a structured support programme. Tutors, many with research backgrounds, offer weekly one-to-one sessions focused on addressing conceptual gaps or exploring extension work. Sixth formers are expected to work independently; most students report spending 15-20 hours weekly on mathematics outside formal timetabled lessons.
The partnership with King's College London provides teaching breadth. University lecturers occasionally deliver lectures to upper-sixth cohorts, providing exposure to research questions and contemporary mathematics. Final-year students can access university seminars and are encouraged to undertake extended projects that engage with open mathematical questions.
Entry is extraordinarily competitive. Approximately 250-300 students apply annually for 70 Year 12 places (mathematics and further mathematics each take roughly equal numbers; physics entry is smaller). Selection is based entirely on mathematical ability, with no regard for diversity criteria or location.
The entrance examination comprises two papers: a problem-solving paper and a harder extension paper. The first tests mathematical reasoning and problem-solving at a level well beyond GCSE. The second comprises olympiad-style problems designed to differentiate among the very highest achievers. Most successful candidates score above 80% on the first paper and at least 40% on the extension paper.
Successful applicants typically come from strong mathematics backgrounds, many with GCSE grade 9s in mathematics and further mathematics. A-level success requires not just strong foundations but genuine love for the discipline; students here chose this school specifically, not as a default sixth form choice.
There are no interviews. Decisions are made entirely on examination performance. The school does not adjust thresholds based on school attended; a student from a state primary school is held to the same standard as one from an independent school. Approximately 140 places total (years 12 and 13 combined), with roughly equal cohort size in each year.
Mathematics occupies most of student life here, but cocurricular provision recognises that the broadest scientists and mathematicians are those with wider intellectual engagement.
The Mathematics Society meets fortnightly for student-led presentations on extended topics beyond the curriculum: non-Euclidean geometry, group theory, numerical methods. Topics are chosen by students and cover areas they have discovered independently or wish to pursue at university.
The Problem-Solving Circle meets weekly with staff to work through past olympiad problems and university entrance papers. Many students have participated in the UK Mathematical Olympiad; the school has a strong track record of selections to the national squad.
The Applied Mathematics Group focuses on real-world problem-solving: modelling disease spread, optimizing transport networks, and applying mathematics to finance. This provides contrast to pure mathematical work and introduces students to applied mathematics specialisms.
The Physics Laboratory Forum brings together students studying physics A-level with guest lecturers from King's College London's physics department. Topics have included quantum mechanics, astrophysics, and condensed matter physics. The series also features researchers discussing how mathematics underpins contemporary physics.
The Coding and Computational Mathematics Society serves students interested in numerical methods and programming. The group uses Python and MATLAB to explore mathematical concepts computationally and has undertaken projects in machine learning and data science. Several students progress to computer science or data science degrees.
To balance mathematical intensity, the school supports music at a serious level. The Chamber Orchestra rehearses weekly and performs termly. Several students study music at A-level or at associated music schools. The Jazz Ensemble rehearses fortnightly, attracting musicians across the year groups. Concerts are held termly in the school's performance space or, at times, in venues associated with King's College London's music department.
The English Literature Society meets to discuss contemporary fiction and philosophy. This provides intellectual ballast; many mathematicians appreciate literary writing and philosophical questions. Speakers have included published authors and King's College London academics.
The Debating Society meets weekly. Topics range from philosophical questions (does mathematics exist, or is it invented?) to contemporary policy issues. Several students have participated in regional debating competitions. The society explicitly prepares students for university interviews in highly selective programmes where articulating mathematical thinking is crucial.
The Chess Club flourishes; several members have achieved school tournament success. The Science Fiction and Fantasy Society appeals to readers interested in speculative approaches to mathematics and physics. The Model United Nations Society engages students interested in policy and global affairs.
The school's location provides extraordinary access. Being adjacent to King's College London means students access university facilities routinely: the library holds specialist mathematics and physics journals and textbooks; the physics labs are available for extended project work; and the seminar spaces host lectures by university researchers.
The mathematics laboratories within the school are equipped with high-specification computers running specialist mathematical software: MATLAB, Mathematica, and Wolfram Language. Students learn computational approaches alongside pure theory, preparing them for both academic and professional careers where programming is essential.
University progression is the default expectation. In 2024, 89% of leavers progressed to university, with the remainder pursuing apprenticeships or gap years before university entry.
Oxbridge success is significant at King's College London Maths School. In 2024, 24 students secured places across Oxford and Cambridge. For context, 70 students applied to Oxbridge (combined), meaning a 34% offer rate — extraordinarily high nationally. Twelve students gained places at Cambridge, and 14 at Oxford.
The breadth of disciplines is notable: the majority read mathematics, but several read natural sciences, engineering, and computer science, leveraging their physics and advanced mathematics background.
Beyond Oxbridge, leavers secure places at Imperial College, UCL, Warwick, Durham, Bristol, and Edinburgh regularly. Many progress to mathematics or physics departments; others leverage their quantitative skills in engineering, computer science, and economics. Imperial College registers particularly high numbers, reflecting the school's strength in physics.
Mathematics students here pursue diverse pathways. Some read mathematics for academic research; others specialise in mathematical physics, computational mathematics, or statistics. The depth of A-level further mathematics preparation supports entry to highly theoretical degree programmes and specialist master's courses.
Total Offers
30
Offer Success Rate: 42.9%
Cambridge
13
Offers
Oxford
17
Offers
The intensity here can be demanding. The school operates a structured pastoral system to ensure this doesn't tip into distress. Each student has a personal tutor who meets weekly, acting not just as an academic monitor but as a safeguarding presence.
The school's approach to mental health is deliberate. Staff are alert to perfectionistic anxiety; high achievement can mask underlying struggle. Counselling services are available, and the school partners with King's College London's student support services.
The curriculum itself is demanding; the school is explicit that this is a choice. During Year 12, students are encouraged to assess whether the intensity aligns with their preferences. Some students realise, after a term or two, that they prefer a more balanced sixth form experience; the school supports transfers where appropriate.
The school day runs 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on most days, with Wednesday afternoons dedicated to society meetings and events. The campus is a 15-minute walk from Waterloo station and well served by London buses. Parking is limited; the majority of students travel by public transport.
There is no on-site cafeteria; students bring lunch or use the numerous cafes and restaurants in Kennington. The school does not provide accommodation, but London's transport links make commuting feasible for students across the South East.
As a state school, there are no tuition fees. However, students are expected to purchase graphing calculators (approximately £120) and specialist software licenses (approximately £100 per year). Materials costs for olympiad preparation or extended projects are additional.
Specialist focus. This is not a generalist sixth form. If you are seeking breadth across sciences and humanities, this school is not the fit. Entry requires genuine enthusiasm for mathematics; students who feel pressured into applying by schools or parents, rather than by intrinsic interest, often struggle.
Intensity and workload. The expected independent study is 15-20 hours weekly. This is not a school for students seeking a relaxed sixth form experience. The peer group are driven and competitive, which can be motivating but also potentially stressful if you are not intrinsically academically focused.
Admissions selectivity. Getting in is harder than getting into most Russell Group universities. Roughly 250 applications compete for 70 places. Even students with GCSE grade 9s in mathematics do not always gain entry. Families should have realistic expectations about likelihood of a place and not view this as a given for high-achieving mathematicians.
Narrow subject range. All students must study mathematics or further mathematics. Physics is strongly expected. This means if you have decided you dislike physics by Year 12, your choices become constrained. The school does allow one flexible subject choice, but the core mathematical bent is non-negotiable.
King's College London Maths School represents an entirely different vision of sixth form from the traditional model. It is not better or worse than comprehensive sixth forms or independent schools; it is different, serving a specific cohort: students for whom mathematics is not merely a subject but an intellectual passion.
For those students, the results are exceptional. Rank 1st in England for A-level performance (FindMySchool ranking), 34% Oxbridge offer rate, and routinely into imperial, Cambridge, Durham, and Warwick mean this is a direct pathway to research-focused mathematics and physics degrees. The research culture, university partnerships, and peer group of mathematically ambitious students create an environment unlikely to exist elsewhere in British education.
Best suited to students aged 16-18 who have consistently excelled in mathematics, love problem-solving, and are prepared for rigorous, independent study in a highly selective peer group. The school rewards focused ambition and intellectual curiosity deeply. It is not a place to try mathematics; it is a place to commit to it as the centre of your sixth form life.
Exceptional. It ranks 1st in England for A-level results (FindMySchool ranking), with 77% of grades at A* and 100% at A* to B. In 2024, 24 students gained Oxbridge places from a cohort of approximately 140. The school's specialisation in mathematics, taught at research level, creates a unique educational environment. However, "good" here means specifically good for students with genuine mathematical passion, not universally good.
Extremely. Approximately 250-300 students apply annually for roughly 70 Year 12 places. Selection is based entirely on an entrance examination comprising two papers: a problem-solving paper testing mathematical reasoning and an extension paper with olympiad-style problems. Most successful candidates score above 80% on the first paper. A GCSE grade 9 in mathematics is typical among entrants, but alone insufficient; the entrance examination is the determining factor.
The school combines rigorous explanation with problem-based learning, expecting students to engage with problems above their current level. Students are taught by specialists, many with research qualifications. Independent study is expected at 15-20 hours weekly. This is not a traditional classroom experience; it is closer to early university-style learning, with small-group tutorials and access to university facilities at King's College London.
In 2024, 89% of leavers progressed to university. Beyond Oxbridge (24 places), students regularly gain entry to Imperial College, UCL, Warwick, Durham, Bristol, and Edinburgh. Many read mathematics, mathematical physics, or computer science, leveraging their advanced qualifications.
Mathematics or further mathematics is compulsory; every student reads one of these. Physics is strongly expected. Students choose one flexible subject, typically from sciences, computer science, or occasionally humanities. There is no choice to avoid mathematics or physics; those seeking such flexibility should consider alternative sixth forms.
Yes. The school occupies a purpose-built campus in Kennington adjacent to King's College London. Students have access to university facilities including specialised physics laboratories, libraries holding research journals, and seminar spaces hosting university researchers. The school's own mathematics laboratories are equipped with MATLAB, Mathematica, and other computational software. Cocurricular societies are numerous: Mathematics Society, Problem-Solving Circle, Physics Laboratory Forum, Chamber Orchestra, and Debating Society are among the established groups.
As a state school, there are no tuition fees. Students must purchase graphing calculators (approximately £120) and software licenses (approximately £100 annually). Admissions are year-round; prospective students apply through the school website. The entrance examination typically takes place in January. Results are released in February, with acceptances due by March for September entry.
Get in touch with the school directly
Disclaimer
Information on this page is compiled, analysed, and processed from publicly available sources including the Department for Education (DfE), Ofsted, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, and official school websites.
Our rankings, metrics, and assessments are derived from this data using our own methodologies and represent our independent analysis rather than official standings.
While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all information is current, complete, or error-free. Data may change without notice, and schools and/or local authorities should be contacted directly to verify any details before making decisions.
FindMySchool does not endorse any particular school, and rankings reflect specific metrics rather than overall quality.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we accept no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on information provided. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us.
