Lancaster University School of Mathematics, also known as LUSoM (www.lusom.ac.uk) is one of eight University Maths Schools across the country and has just received an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted report. Their twin aims are to provide the highest quality of education in mathematical sciences and allied STEM subjects, whilst driving social mobility among under-represented groups to enable them to participate in top quality STEM degrees and careers.


Based in a bespoke building in Preston, LUSoM currently has just over 100 students studying A-levels in Mathematics and Further Mathematics, together with subjects such as Physics, Computer Science and Chemistry. Through the School’s partnership with Cardinal Newman College Preston, students can also take a wide range of other A-levels, ensuring that they can both deepen their love of maths and complement this with social science, arts or humanities studies. This enables them to go confidently into a wide range of careers where they can use their strong mathematical skills and apply them in a host of real-world situations.


LUSoM students come from across Lancashire to study, drawn by the environment in which highly skilled teachers are able to explore and link the STEM curricula in ways that are not possible in many other colleges. There is a strong focus on problem solving and on developing the ability of students to discuss, reason and persuade. The curriculum is also enhanced by inspiring guest speakers, talking about topics in advanced mathematics or their career journey.


Students also interact with Lancaster academics through their group project work, researching a topic and presenting their results to their peers and families on campus.


In August 2024, the School’s first cohort completed their studies. Their achievements were remarkable: 30% of all grades were A*, launching LUSoM straight into in the top twenty schools in the country on this measure. Nearly 85% of all grades were in the range A*-B and LUSoM’s carefully tailored approach boosted A-level grades in Mathematics by almost one whole grade under the value-added measures. This enabled students to progress to university studies in mathematical degrees (which around one-third of the cohort did) as well as to STEM and medically-aligned subjects, or to prestigious degree apprenticeships with Dyson and BAE Systems.


As well as supporting students who come to study at LUSoM, the second key part of the School’s mission is to widen participation in advanced maths study. This means supporting pupils as young as 11, to help them make a positive transition between primary and secondary school and grow their mathematical talents. This is achieved through visits from our dedicated outreach staff, online activities such as the Axiom Maths Circles and guest speakers at events hosted in the School.


One such recent event with a close connection to Lancaster was a talk to local schools by Dr James Grime (Mathematics, 2003, Cartmel), recent recipient of an Alumni Award for his work in public engagement with maths.


James is famous for his involvement with the YouTube channel Numberphile and also a lecture tour with an original Enigma machine.


Speaking about his visit, James said” I never had a special maths day when I was at school, which is a shame because I would have eaten that up! That is why I now love visiting schools, like LUSoM, and meeting today’s young mathematicians. Talks and outreach events allow us to show students something beyond the usual school curriculum, to inspire and motivate students in their studies, and give students a positive experience they will remember.”


LUSoM is part of a national network of University Maths Schools, with eight open and three in pre-opening phases. Lancaster is closely involved with the U-Maths Network which works to support the efforts of the member schools and act on their behalf in the national mathematics education community, including lobbying for continued support from government for investment into this vital area for our nation’s future.


If you would like to get involved with LUSoM or a University Maths School closer to you, please get in touch by emailing Jan Grabowski ( j.grabowski@lancaster.ac.uk). We would especially love to hear about your career journey since leaving Lancaster and be able to show current students a wide range of role models. If you could spare the time for a visit or an online talk, it would be greatly appreciated. You might even have an idea for a project our students could help your business with – any suggestions welcome!


Lancaster University School of Mathematics, Preston


Alumnus James Grime delivers a lecture KEEP IN TOUCH WWW.LANCASTER.AC.UK/ALUMNI | 11


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