The National Mathematics and Science College

Since 2020, Andy Kemp BSc MSc EdD MBA. Headhunted for the role while head of Stephen Perse Foundation Senior School, although the fact that (a) he had never even heard of the college and (b) Stephen Perse was something of a family affair (his wife,

One of the most selective sixth form colleges in the country. We’re talking students for whom 8s and 9s at I/GCSE comes naturally (or would do, as nearly all come from overseas) in the subjects they want to study. Candidates need at least six

No prizes for guessing the type of degrees most students go on to. Yup, it’s STEM, STEM and more STEM, eg mechanical engineering, computing, natural sciences, aerospace engineering – although, to be fair, some do read subjects such as law, PPE,

In 2025, 86 per cent A*/A at A level (96 per cent A*-B).

These classrooms are home to some serious brainboxes who are itching to maximise their potential at every turn. Such is their hunger to challenge themselves that the line between lesson time and spare time is among the most blurred we’ve seen. We

Mild SEN catered for, though only one formal diagnosis when we visited. All support so far has been in class. ‘Classes are small so teachers flex teaching accordingly, although we would organise one-to-one support if required,’ says principal. A

As the principal says, ‘It's not enough for our students to learn lots of mathematics and science. If they are going to change the world they need to be able to communicate that understanding effectively to others.’ With that in mind, the college

‘I came here for the sport’ aren’t words you’ll hear uttered here – even the principal uses the word ‘afterthought’. But despite the college’s small size and unapologetically academic bent, it does offer free access to the local sports centre with

Almost everyone boards – 118 currently in the halls of residence and five living with local host families. Boarding is full time for nearly everyone (only two weekly boarders), so no mass exodus at the weekends although students do occasionally have

Parents enthuse about a distinct family feel, undoubtedly helped by the small size – this is a place where everybody knows everybody. Student wellbeing is a priority, with small tutor groups that meet regularly, and there’s a visiting counsellor.

A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.

Truly a rainbow of nations, with students coming from all over the world – usually around a fifth from China, a fifth from Russia and the rest from eg America, Belgium, Belarus, Germany, Iran, South Korea, Latvia, Malaysia, Malta, Spain, Thailand,

Day fees average for the area; boarding fees at the more expensive end, reflected in the quality of boarding accommodation. All fees inclusive of EAL provision where required. Around a quarter of students are on some sort of academic scholarship –

An exciting community where bright and like-minded students have a whale of a time challenging both themselves and each other and are privy to some of the best STEM-centred teaching around. A college, yes, but somehow it’s so much more, with this