CMS is small, specialist and deliberately different.
Life at Cambridge Maths School is about much more than outstanding examination results.
Students join CMS because they are passionate about mathematics, science and problem solving. They thrive because they find a community of like-minded young people, inspiring teachers and opportunities to grow both academically and personally.
From the classroom to competitions, clubs to careers, every aspect of student life is designed to help students thrive, contribute and prepare for ambitious futures.
Core Curriculum
The curriculum at CMS is built around four key principles that shape every subject, every lesson and every interaction between students and teachers.
Outstanding A Level Teaching
Students are taught by subject specialists who are passionate about their disciplines and ambitious for every learner.
Lessons are carefully planned to develop deep understanding, secure exceptional outcomes and prepare students for the demands of higher education and future careers. Small class sizes allow teachers to know students well, provide regular feedback and offer the right balance of challenge and support.
Students achieve outstanding results because they are taught exceptionally well.
A Focus on Problem Solving
At CMS, learning goes beyond memorising content.
Whether studying Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Computer Science, students are encouraged to tackle unfamiliar problems, think creatively and apply their knowledge in new situations.
They learn to analyse, evaluate and communicate ideas clearly, developing the resilience and intellectual confidence needed to succeed when solutions are not immediately obvious.
An Environment of Collaborative Curiosity
CMS brings together students who genuinely enjoy learning.
Lessons are characterised by discussion, debate and shared exploration. Students regularly explain their thinking, challenge assumptions and learn from one another’s ideas.
This culture extends beyond the classroom through independent study, enrichment activities, competitions and conversations with peers who share a passion for STEM.
Preparing Students for the Future
Academic success is only part of the CMS experience.
Across the curriculum, students develop the skills, habits and perspectives needed to thrive in an increasingly complex world. They learn to think critically, communicate effectively, work collaboratively and engage thoughtfully with the challenges facing society.
The aim is to equip young people not only for university or employment, but for lives of curiosity, responsibility and positive impact.
Universal Enrichment
Every CMS student benefits from a rich programme of enrichment designed to broaden horizons, develop character and prepare them for life beyond sixth form.
Personal Development
Personal Development at CMS is about being ready for life beyond CMS.
Across Years 12 and 13 students explore relationships, consent and boundaries, mental health, identity and protected characteristics, online safety, finance, safeguarding, citizenship, careers and independent living.
The programme becomes more future-facing as students move through sixth form, with Year 13 focusing increasingly on motivation, assertiveness, decision-making, managing pressure and the transition to university, apprenticeships and work.
Students are expected to talk, question and think. The aim is not simply to give information but to help them make good decisions when there is not a teacher in the room.
Global and Cultural Literacy
Students at CMS are specialists but we do not want them to have a narrow view of the world.
Global Literacy uses current issues and real-world stories to explore science, technology, health, sustainability, misinformation, privacy, inequality and social change.
Cultural Literacy introduces countries, communities, contemporary issues and change-makers. It gives students knowledge and context beyond their A-level subjects and creates space to discuss ideas that matter.
Oracy sits across both programmes. Students learn to listen, explain, question and disagree well.
Accelerate
Accelerate is where students step outside the normal A-level timetable.
It includes lectures, workshops, the CMS Mathematics Certificate, competitions, team-building, arts and culture and sport. Students encounter new ideas, work with different people and develop interests that may have nothing to do with their next exam.
Being excellent at mathematics should not mean being interested only in mathematics.
Sport and Wellbeing
Students have regular opportunities to be active, compete and spend time together away from academic work.
Activities change in response to student interests and have included football, badminton, netball, table tennis, ultimate frisbee, touch rugby, cricket and many others.
Physical activity, teamwork and enjoyment form an important part of life at CMS.
Additional Enrichment
Students are encouraged to pursue their own interests, develop leadership skills and make the most of opportunities beyond the classroom.
Clubs and Societies
Student interests help shape the enrichment offer at CMS.
Opportunities have included Music Club, Debate Club, Book Club, Art Club, Pride Society, Board Games Club and Dungeons & Dragons. Students are also encouraged to establish new clubs and societies of their own.
If something does not yet exist, students are supported to make it happen.
Student Leadership
Leadership at CMS is about contribution rather than titles.
Students serve on the Student Council, lead clubs and societies, support outreach events, represent the school and help shape the culture of a young and ambitious community.
They learn to listen, collaborate, take responsibility and make a positive difference.
Trips and Experiences
Learning continues beyond the classroom through a wide range of visits and experiences.
Students have opportunities to visit universities, museums, galleries, theatres and research organisations, as well as take part in international opportunities such as visits to CERN and Kenya.
These experiences provide new perspectives, create lasting memories and bring learning to life.
Stretch and Challenge
CMS students actively seek opportunities to go beyond the requirements of their A Levels.
Competitions and Olympiads
Students regularly participate in mathematics, science and computing competitions at regional and national level.
These opportunities encourage students to tackle unfamiliar challenges, develop advanced problem-solving skills and test themselves against some of the most able students in the country.
Research and Independent Scholarship
Students are encouraged to investigate topics that genuinely interest them.
Through research projects and wider academic opportunities, they learn how to ask questions, manage longer-term projects, evaluate evidence and communicate complex ideas effectively.
These experiences provide an excellent foundation for university study and future research.
Research Projects with External Mentors
Every Year 12 student completes an independent research project that takes them beyond the standard school curriculum.
Working in small groups with an external mentor from industry, academia or research, students investigate a challenging mathematical or scientific question over several months. They learn how to explore complex ideas, engage with specialist knowledge, work collaboratively and manage a longer-term project.
The programme concludes with students presenting their findings through an academic poster and presentation at the CMS Project Conference. Alongside subject knowledge, students develop skills in research, communication, teamwork and project management, while gaining valuable experience of working with experts beyond the school environment.
STEM Beyond the Specification
Students can engage with emerging areas of STEM through lectures, workshops and enrichment activities linked to fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, data science and cutting-edge research.
The goal is simple: to inspire curiosity and encourage students to explore where their interests might take them.
Support and Guidance
CMS is challenging, ambitious and supportive.
Students are encouraged to aim high, but they are never expected to do so alone.
Tutor Support
Small tutor groups and daily contact mean students are known as individuals.
Tutors support academic progress, personal development, wellbeing and future planning, helping students navigate both the opportunities and challenges of sixth-form study.
Wellbeing and Pastoral Care
Student wellbeing is central to success.
A strong pastoral system ensures students have access to advice, support and guidance whenever they need it. Staff work closely with students to help them maintain a healthy balance between challenge, wellbeing and achievement.
Inclusion and Individual Support
Support is tailored to individual needs.
Students may receive additional support relating to SEND, wellbeing, health needs or other circumstances that affect their learning. The focus is always on understanding barriers, making thoughtful adjustments and helping students remain ambitious.
Safeguarding
Creating a safe and inclusive environment is a responsibility shared by all staff.
Students know where to seek help, who to talk to and how to access support. Strong safeguarding systems help ensure that every student feels safe, valued and able to thrive.
Careers and Next Steps
Students do not need to arrive at CMS knowing exactly what they want to do in the future.
Careers education is woven throughout the curriculum and wider student experience. Students meet professionals, academics and employers, explore university and degree apprenticeship pathways and receive personalised guidance throughout their next-step applications.
The aim is not simply to help students choose a destination, but to help them understand the opportunities available and make informed decisions about their future.
Community
Students travel to CMS from across the region. They arrive from different schools and communities but share an enthusiasm for mathematics. Students quickly become part of a close-knit community, supported by tutor groups, enrichment activities and shared experiences both inside and outside the classroom.
Tutor groups, competitions, sport, clubs, team-building, Personal Development and whole-school events help turn that group of individuals into a community. These activities provide opportunities for students to develop friendships, work together and contribute to school life beyond their academic studies.
Students join a young and ambitious school. They are not simply experiencing its culture; they are helping to create it. Through leadership opportunities, student societies, enrichment activities and everyday interactions, students play an active role in shaping the character and traditions of the school.