Students at Cambridge Maths School celebrated their A-level results today – the first cohort to study at the new specialist sixth form college.

The state-funded school, run by the Eastern Learning Alliance, was developed in association with the University of Cambridge and opened in September 2023 with a focus on pioneering learning and increasing diversity in the field of maths.

More than half of the A-level grades awarded at the School – which welcomes 16 to 19-year-olds from across the East of England, who study maths and further maths, and then choose from physics, chemistry, biology or computer science A-levels – were A*.

In total, 43 students at the School received their A-level results today and to take up offers at universities including Cambridge, Durham, Warwick, Bath, Edinburgh, and UCL, where they will study subjects ranging from maths, computer science, engineering, and natural sciences.

Michela Castello-Lamb, 18, from Cambridge, achieved four A*s in maths, further maths, chemistry, and computer science. She will now study maths at the University of Bath. She said: “Coming to a new school was a bit of unknown, but I had faith. It was an exciting opportunity that I just couldn’t pass up, and I’m delighted I didn’t!

“I’ve known from an early age that maths was the area I wanted to focus on, and I really hope I can inspire younger girls to stick with the subject. 

The reality is that from a young age girls are often subtly encouraged to go in a different direction, and not even think of it as an option. But I want to show them that maths isn’t the environment they might think it is.”

Joshua Overton, 18, from Cambridgeshire, achieved four A*s in biology, chemistry, maths, and further maths. He is going to study natural sciences at the University of Cambridge’s Selwyn College.

He said: “I’m really excited about the next step and going deeper into the subject. I really enjoy the logical aspects of maths, and how it can be applied to situations in the real world, as well as the beautiful flowing arguments it creates. It was the extensive curriculum that encouraged me to apply to the Maths School, and I’ve really enjoyed studying here, particularly the classroom style and being stretched in my subjects.”

Clare Hargraves, Headteacher of Cambridge Maths School, said: “We are exceptionally proud of our students, who have achieved outstanding results in our very first year – with more than 50% of grades awarded at A*. Their success is a testament to their hard work, resilience, and the strength of our school community. We’re especially proud of the achievements of students from underrepresented backgrounds, including those who are economically disadvantaged and girls, who have excelled in a field where diversity is so needed.

“This founding cohort didn’t just join a school – they joined a bold vision. When they applied, there was no building, no staff, and no track record – just a promise of something different. They took a leap of faith, driven by ambition, curiosity, and a passion for learning. Their belief in that vision, and their commitment to it, has led to these extraordinary outcomes. We are truly inspired by what they’ve achieved, and it’s been a privilege to walk alongside them. We can’t wait to see the incredible things they’ll go on to do.”

As well as offering a unique curriculum for A-level students in its Cambridge classrooms, the School supports students across the East of England region through outreach activities developed in partnership with the University and its Millennium Mathematics Project. One of the School’s priorities is encouraging more girls to study STEM subjects post-16, and earlier this year it ran a summer school to help inspire the next generation of female mathematicians.

University mathematicians are also among the School’s governors, providing leadership input.

Prof Colm-Cille Caulfield, Head of the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, at the University of Cambridge, said: “The School has already achieved so much after just two years, and I’d like to congratulate everyone receiving their results on all their hard work. The Faculty of Mathematics looks forward to continuing to support staff and students, working with them and learning from them, so we can encourage this spirit of curiosity and love of maths in even more young people across the region, regardless of background.”

As well as students from the city itself, sixth formers travel into the School from other areas in the East, including Luton, King’s Lynn, and Peterborough. The School expects to expand its intake as it develops.

The School is part of a nationwide network of maths schools, one for every region of England. The principal aim of maths schools is to help prepare more of the UK’s most mathematically able students to succeed in maths disciplines at top universities, and address the UK’s skills shortage in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects.