Mathematics is a compulsory part of the curriculum in the Lower School; all pupils have four Mathematics lessons a week in each year.  

Pupils are prepared first for Mathematics GCSE: we do not accelerate our pupils through these examinations as quickly as possible, meaning pupils cannot take the GCSE a year early. Our policy is instead to provide every pupil with as rich a foundation in GCSE-level material as possible, and this means going well beyond the syllabus in terms of the complexity of the examples pupils encounter, and the flexibility with which they can deploy what they know in unfamiliar problems and contexts. We hope this also gives pupils the opportunity to achieve the best possible grades in their Mathematics GCSE; however, they are likely also to be presented with a considerable amount of additional material that we consider useful, interesting or instructive.  

Many will have the opportunity to take part in the National Mathematics Challenges, in which our pupils in the past have done very well. Where appropriate, pupils will also work on material from the A Level Mathematics syllabus and on other topics – in geometry for instance – which are no longer in any school syllabus. 

One of the unique aspects of the Westminster course is the emphasis on problem solving within the curriculum: there are lessons dedicated to developing problem-solving skills and learning specific techniques. Many will also have the opportunity to take part in the National Mathematics Challenges, in which our pupils in the past have done very well. 

There is a thriving Mathematics Society run by pupils who deliver talks to their peers, and there are also popular Bridge and Chess Societies that meet frequently and compete in School and in external competitions too.  

In the Election Term (summer term) of the Sixth Form (Year 12) and during the Remove (Year 13) year, there is a process of preparing pupils for university entrance examinations. This covers the MAT, TMUA and mentoring for those who receive STEP offers. 

The department prepares about 20 pupils each year for entrance examinations in Mathematics and Computer Science. Many of these pupils go on to study these subjects at top universities including Oxford, Cambridge, Warwick, Imperial College, St Andrews and UCL. The skills and determination demonstrated by pupils of Further Mathematics are much sought-after by universities worldwide.

Pupils go on to study Mathematics, Computer Science, Physical Sciences, Engineering, Economics, Management and PPE at University, for which Mathematics A Level is a requisite. The subject is especially a good indicator of an individual’s ability to cope with the logical aspects of Philosophy at University, and naturally complements arts subjects and languages.