King’s College plans maths sixth form free school in Waterloo

The college has received a development grant from the Department for Education and the free school is expected to open in September 2014 close to KCL's existing Waterloo campus.

The school will be one of a number of university-sponsored sixth form-only Mathematics schools funded by the Government. It will aim to cater for students who have both exceptional ability in Mathematics and an intense interest in the subject, and to allow them to study with a critical mass of students with a similar passion for Mathematics.

"On the back of our existing reputation for research and teaching excellence in the field of mathematics, we are committed to extending our existing outreach activities with the aim of improving standards of maths education," said Professor Rick Trainor, principal of King's College London.

"Our new maths specialist school will provide vital support for sixth-formers in London to enable them to achieve their aspirations of studying STEM subjects, such as Mathematics, Physics, Engineering and Computer Science, at leading universities.

"We believe that we can make an important contribution to improving the levels of attainment of young people, who will go on to become the mathematicians, scientists and engineers of the future."

Education secretary Michael Gove said: "I am delighted that King's College London is going to open a specialist maths free school.

"If we are to find a future Fields Medallist in our schools, we have to raise standards in maths teaching and create an environment that allows the most gifted to flourish.

"This is an excellent example of a world-class higher education institution playing an active role in preparing gifted young people for the rigours of university study. I am sure the King's College London Free School will be a resounding success and an inspiration to others."