mAths and Further mAths Programme

How We Support Students to Achieve Top Grades at A level Mathematics

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Our work with Imperial College and the University of Manchester provides online courses and mentoring for students, and CPD for teachers.

The mA*ths and Further mA*ths programme is designed to develop the skills students need to achieve an A* in each A level and build their confidence to apply to university courses that require an A* in maths.

Year 12 and Year 13 students complete tailored online modules covering the challenging elements of the curriculum, and attend online mentoring sessions and face-to-face masterclasses delivered by us. We also provide on-demand online teacher professional development complementing the student course and programme.

Phil Chaffé, MEI’s Assistant Director, University Progression, explains what the programmes involve, and the impact they have had so far.

The rationale and background

For most maths-related undergraduate courses at Imperial College, London, students need to achieve an A* in A level Further Mathematics. However, research by the university showed that students from state-funded schools and colleges in disadvantaged areas who received offers were 10% less likely to obtain an A* than those from schools in more privileged areas.

In 2017, the university approached MEI with a view to developing a course to support those A level Maths students from underrepresented and disadvantaged areas considering studying a maths-related degree at university. We designed a course which included face-to-face masterclasses for students held at Imperial College, two seven-week Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), and online tutoring sessions led by mentors who are current Imperial students.

In addition to support for students, we wanted their teachers to be well-equipped to prepare them for the demands of securing an A*. We developed a programme of teacher professional development which included an online course open to all teachers in state-funded schools and colleges, and an enhanced course specifically for those teaching in disadvantaged areas. There is also an in-person masterclass for teachers at Imperial College, which always proves popular.

In 2019, the programme began with a cohort of 100 Year 12 A level Maths students from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds. The following year, we launched a course with the same structure for Year 13 students. In 2023, Manchester University joined the programme with a cohort of 50 Year 12 students. In the following year, the Year 12 cohort increased to 100 students and a Year 13 cohort started. By 2024, there were over 500 students engaged in the programmes overall and in 2025, Year 12 and 13 Further Maths cohorts are taking part too.

University of Manchester and downtown Manchester

What students say

Students who have been involved in the mA*ths and Further mA*ths programmes have really benefited from taking part, both in terms of their achievement and their attitude to maths. We have been really pleased with the feedback they have given us so far:

“I initially had low grades, but now I approach questions differently. […] The course gave me an opportunity to understand more things, so now my predicted grade has gone up a lot.”
Student MA*THS AND FURTHER MA*THS PROGRAMME

“When I started doing the MOOCs […] I realised what I needed to work on and how I need to look for sources outside my school. Imperial was one of those sources.”
Student MA*THS AND FURTHER MA*THS PROGRAMME

“I was able to get an A* in Maths for my A level result in the end. I’m very happy with that, and I think it [the course] did help.”
Student MA*THS AND FURTHER MA*THS PROGRAMME

“At the masterclasses, everyone is here for a reason. They’re all ambitious. They want to get good grades. When you’re surrounded by such motivated people it makes you want to achieve the same standard.”
Student MA*THS AND FURTHER MA*THS PROGRAMME

Wider benefits and successes

In 2023/24, Imperial College commissioned two evaluation reports to look at the programmes in detail. The findings were very positive. We learned that the programmes were particularly strong at recruiting female students, those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and those whose parents did not attend university, so this was great news as we were meeting our aims. Engagement in masterclasses also came out as a real strength. Students and ambassadors really liked building relationships and meeting up face-to-face.

The content of the course was seen as particularly valuable when students felt it went ‘beyond the curriculum’. Students are keen to be stretched and said they felt that the advanced content helps provide a new perspective on maths. Ambassadors also enhance students’ experience of the programmes, as well as feeling that they benefit from taking part. Some ambassadors even previously participated in the course themselves, and love the opportunity to revisit their own journey and support others on the same path.

Overall, students taking part in the mA*ths and Further mA*ths programmes are seeing tangible benefits. A qualitative measure taken from cohorts of students completing their A levels in 2020 and 2021 showed evidence that they achieved around half a grade higher than matched comparison students, and that they were more likely to achieve an A*.

Imperial College are also thrilled with how the programmes are going. Andrew Tebbutt, Director of Outreach at Imperial, told us:

“Collaborating with MEI to develop and deliver the mA*ths and Further mA*ths programmes has been an exceptionally positive experience. Their expertise in the maths curriculum enables our students to engage with high quality content that challenges them and deepens their understanding. […] Their genuine passion for maths radiates through every aspect of their work!”

ANDREW TEBBUTT, DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH AT IMPERIAL

Want to get involved?

Visit our dedicated webpage about the mA*ths and Further mA*ths programme and sign up for this year’s cohort.

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