KCL Maths School (sixth form)

[3xtrouble]

Anyone out there with a DC at King’s College London Maths School? DD has an offer for September 2019 and it’s definitely her number one choice . The subjects are perfect for her and she liked the feel of the school when she has visited.

I have slight concerns, but mainly because I know nothing much about it! Is it quite a ‘geeky’ school? Do Students socialise outside of school hours or at weekends or doesthe geographical distance make this difficult? Are the students happy and what is the pastoral care like? How much homework are they expected to do?

She could stay on at her current school, or go to our local grammar school but has her heart set on a KCL so any insight from current/recent parents or students would be much appreciated. Many thanks

I can't help, I'm afraid but I'd be really interested to hear any reponses. This is a definite option for my eldest (starting in 2020 though) and I think I share the same concerns re socialising and pastoral care.!

My Dc has a few friends there.
They are all completely typical bright young people, very lovely, friendly, well socialised, love their subject, and are mopping up Oxbridge offers. They are still socialising with their old local mates (my Dc!) but then so are the ones who went to other very local schools.

It is very central and they all have their zip cards so I wouldn't have thought a big 'catchment' would have such an effect as it would in Yr 7, for example.

Great thank you. That’s brilliant to hear. Now just to make sure he gets in!

All Dc’s Mates who got in have been top maths performers since very early on, natural, almost instinctive, mathematicians.

I think that is the culture of the place.

Thanks HotpotLawyer its reassuring to hear. DC is definitely a natural mathematician, and a bit of a geek too. She wants to be inspired and challenged, and we just want her to go somewhere she will be happy and motivated!

EssexCat good luck! They had around 600 people sit the exam this year for 70 places. DC didn’t find the exam too bad (though didn’t complete it).

Thank you 3xtrouble. DS is the annoying child who just gets maths and loves an exam, so fingers crossed!

My DD was 2nd cohort (class of 2017) and my DS is there now. They are different kids personality wise. DD loved the place. It was the school she finally felt at home at. DS likes it too - he's less prone to gushing in general. It really is a great school. The headmaster Dan Abramson and his team are genuinely passionate about their students. The maths they do works beyond the A Level curriculum and stands them in good stead for all the Uni STEM subjects (DD is studying Comp Sci and DS has applied for a Maths degree)

In terms of hanging out - lots of kids walk to the tube station together. DD and her friends used to walk up to and meet at Regents Park. DS has met up with with friends in Westfield Stratford even though we live in NW London. WhatsApp and Discord groups also deepen their connections.

They do have lots of homework but have free periods and after school sessions to complete it in if they want. It's seen as cool to study and the teachers offer plenty of support outside lessons for those who need it.

Good luck to them. At that age I would have found such an environment a positive boost to my social skills, as I stuck out so much elsewhere.