The National Mathematics and Science College

The National Mathematics and Science College is the top specialist STEM college in the UK. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects are more important today than they have ever been.  For those students looking to excel in these areas, the specialist education we can provide is designed to enable them to thrive both at A-level and beyond.  We recognise that a high-quality specialist education must go beyond the narrow confines of the curriculum and must expose our students to the breadth and joy contained within these subject areas in an integrated way. We are geared to help students learn how to think, not what to think, which will allow them to thrive at College, at University and beyond.

Students of The National Mathematics and Science College should go on to achieve at the highest levels, pushing the boundaries of our mathematical and scientific understanding.  Our collective role at the College is to work in partnership with our students to establish an effective foundation and help light the spark!  We do all of this as part of a caring and supportive community, which encourages students to think creatively about the links both within and outside of their subject domains.

The National Mathematics and Science College is an inspiring place, where we support the development of some exceptionally gifted young people!

A-level Results

In the summer of 2024, we achieved outstanding results with 83.4% of results being awarded A* or A grades and 57% of grades being awarded the top A* grade.

University Destinations

Students from The National Mathematics and Science College regularly go on to gain places at some of the very best universities around the world, those universities which can change the trajectory of your life. 

In 2024, 1 in 4 of our students gained places at either Oxford or Cambridge. Over the last three years almost 1 in 5 of our students gained places in Oxbridge with over 1 in 3 students having gained places at G5 universities, and many others going on to excellent universities in the UK and internationally.

Preparation for Medicine Programme

Alongside our A-level programme we have a specialist Preparation for Medicine Programme which builds on the A-level programme to provide a rich programme of activities and opportunities which help ensure that our budding medics are fully prepared.  This programme includes a range of visiting speakers, lectures and visits as well as specialist mentoring and preparation for the relevant entrance papers.

Going Beyond

A-level success and university destinations are clearly important, but they represent only part of the success of our students. The College is alive with enquiry; all around the College you will find whiteboards full of challenging questions. Throughout the day, independently or in groups, you will find students working to solve these taxing problems that go beyond the A-level specification.

Through this and the expert teaching they receive, our students go on to achieve outstanding successes in national and international competitions. Our students have represented the UK in International Olympiads, and they have enjoyed significant success in the Euclid, UKMT Senior Mathematics Challenge, as well as the Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Informatics and Linguistics Olympiads. Students in the College regularly perform in the top 10% of all UK entries in these competitions.

Our students achieve more Olympiad success per capita than any other school in the country.

Boarding Facilities

Our boarding facilities represent some of the best in the sector. With modern single en-suite rooms and shared communal kitchens, students get to experience some of the feel of university life, whilst having the safety and support provided by our team of excellent boarding staff. The boarding accommodation is right next to the teaching block, making it quick and easy to move between the two, meaning no time is lost travelling. Our boarding community represents an exciting and culturally diverse community. Our smaller size means that it has the feel of a large and caring family where everyone knows everyone else. In addition, every student has membership to a top quality gym and swimming pool just a couple of minutes' walk from the College.

Pastoral Care

Our students are supported through a joined up pastoral care programme made up of their College tutors, Heads of Year and boarding staff, all ably led by our Vice Principal - Pastoral & Boarding.  Alongside their academic studies our students also cover key personal areas in our specialist taught STEPS programme.

Beyond the Classroom

The learning at The National Mathematics and Science College never stops and extends well beyond the classroom door. With a wide range of academic clubs and student-led societies, as well as a large number of masterclasses, trips and visits. Learning is a practical discipline, and so both in and out of the classroom we put a high priority on giving students practical experience wherever possible. It is through this practical work that our students really come to life. They move from being students to scientists in their own right.

STEM Communication Programme

So that our students can make a meaningful difference in the world, and put their scientific and mathematical knowledge to use, we also prepare them with the necessary communication skills. This is done through a programme which involves a combination of external lectures and workshops and an internal programme of skills development (including data science skills in python, and use of LaTeX), and opportunities for students to practice their research and communication skills through a range of projects.

Our philosophy of teaching, our proven latticework of pastoral care, our phenomenal facilities, all help our students to leave their comfort zone. Then, extraordinary things can happen: the rate of progress accelerates dramatically. Here there are no barriers to how far or fast you can progress. We never slow talent down. We are a community of like-minded people, with some of the finest, most successful teachers in the country.

The National Mathematics and Science College.

Go further, come run with the swift.