About Exeter Mathematics School

Key facts

Official name

Exeter Mathematics School

Opened

2014

Sponsor

University of Exeter

Co-sponsor

Exeter College

Headteacher

Kerry Burnham — founding headteacher, appointed as Head designate in September 2013, a year before the school opened

DfE URN

140971

Phone

01392 429020

Official site

exetermathematicsschool.ac.uk

History

Exeter Mathematics School opened in 2014 as one of the first two university maths schools in England, alongside King's College London Mathematics School — a partnership between the University of Exeter and Exeter College. Read the full policy history of how that came about, and how the wider network grew from there, on the parent site's history piece.

• Sept 2013

  Kerry Burnham is appointed Head designate, a year ahead of opening.

• Sept 2014

  Exeter Mathematics School opens — one of the first two university maths schools in England, alongside King's College London Mathematics School.

• Jan 2017

  First full Ofsted inspection: rated Outstanding.

• c. 2020

  Curriculum X — the school's XTX Markets-sponsored extension course programme — is developed and launched, initially offering a handful of modules and growing since.

• Mar 2024

  Second full Ofsted inspection: "continues to be an outstanding provider", with all judgements Outstanding.

• Nov 2025

  A separate residential/boarding-provision inspection also rates the school Outstanding in all three categories — reported in Devon local press in January 2026 as the school's "third" Outstanding verdict.

• Sept 2026

  The school's catchment expands beyond Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset to add Bristol, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, alongside a rise in annual intake from 64 to 75 students and a new boarding house.

Culture

No school uniform, and students and teachers are expected to work as equals. The school's motto is "Freedom for Thinkers." Most students come from non-selective state schools rather than grammar or independent schools. Alongside A-levels, students take "Curriculum X" enrichment and can work towards the Exeter Mathematics Certificate (EMC); Year 13 students are prepared for MAT and TMUA from October, moving into STEP II/III preparation, with UKMT Challenge participation encouraged throughout.

Values

EMS publishes a short values statement, reproduced here in full:

Everybody

We take care of each other and put people at the heart of decision making. Our community is built on acceptance, with each person of equal worth. We embrace our differences whilst enjoying our common interests. We look for the good in ourselves and others. We are kind.

Mistakes

We embrace mistakes. We understand that they are an essential part of the route to success. When we are learning something new, we know that we're likely to make more mistakes. We recognise that mistakes can be good and can signal that learning is taking place.

Honesty

Honesty builds trust and enables our community to flourish. It leads to greater freedom and a positive culture.

Endeavour

Learning something new or working out how to do something better can be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. There's always something to strive for and often effort is its own reward. We embrace challenge, aspire to achieve and seek out opportunities to learn.

Openness

We are curious. We explore new ideas and are prepared to change our minds. We value a broad range of opportunities and welcome the growth that comes from new experiences.

Joy

We take delight in what we do and the people we do it with. We laugh, we chat, we work, we play — all of which bring pleasure and joy. The journey is as important as the destination and we intend to have fun along the way.