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Finding maths peers and support for a highly gifted nine-year-old

10 replies

bluebellnoodle · 06/09/2026 07:06

DS is 9 and is profoundly mathematically gifted - many years ahead of his peers. Gifted in other areas too but the gap for maths is the biggest, at least 7 years. He attends our local state school in London. Until now he has been largely bored with mainstream academics but happy as he has good friends. Now it seems he also needs a community of other children who are of a similar age and ability as he is starting to feel isolated and disillusioned by the maths teaching (or lack of). I am trying to find a suitable teacher for him, which is not easy, but that's another topic. In the meantime he would love to chat maths (and other topics of course) with children who are like him. Would love to hear from any parents with children who are similar who would like to have a playdate! Or any helpful advice on how to navigate the above, based on personal experiences? Thank you so much.

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HewasH2O · 06/09/2026 07:09

You might need this to be moved to the gifted & talented section

TryingmyLevelBest · 06/09/2026 07:10

Some suggestions: join a Chess Club. Enter the Maths Olympiad. Find a GCSE maths tutor (there are loads about) not necessarily to take GCSE but to look at higher level maths…

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Then you might like threads about these subjects:

JWR · 06/09/2026 07:16

Axiom maths is linked to a number of maths charities including the 1729 Maths school that’s just opened. https://1729mathsschool.org.uk/
I imagine if you contact the school or somewhere like https://www.londonsmp.co.uk/ They will be happy to help.

The UK's first specialist maths school for ages 11-18 | 1729 Maths School

The UK’s first specialist maths school for ages 11-18. Based at Mill Hill Schools, it offers a world class education with a deep focus on maths.

https://1729mathsschool.org.uk

therockingbird · 06/09/2026 07:20

Parallel maths Olympiad - I also have a son way above his years in Mathematics and his math tutor suggested parallel to me. A group of children all is age get together online and do maths challenges. There’s a process to get in the group but it’s been well worth it.

bluebellnoodle · 07/09/2026 06:42

Thank you so much everyone - this is all really helpful and makes us feel like there are a few resources out there at least.

I will also try posting on Gifted and Talented - haven't quite got my head around mumsnet yet!

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Thesearenotthedroids · 07/09/2026 06:44

The group of children whose parents are pushing maths with them at our primary all do Olympiad.

Solasum · 07/09/2026 06:47

Will you be applying for grammar schools such as QEB in due course?

Octavia64 · 07/09/2026 06:47

Parallel is quite good.

https://parallel.org.uk/

primary maths challenge

https://www.primarymathschallenge.org.uk/

NRich have a problem of the month and also an archive of maths enrichment problems roughly by age and by topic.

https://nrich.maths.org/

Parallel by Simon Singh

A home for curious mathematical minds. For ages 10-16 anywhere in the world. 100% free. Live interactive Maths Circles and puzzle sheets every week.

https://parallel.org.uk/

bluebellnoodle · 07/09/2026 13:18

Thank you so much for your replies, Parallel is a great shout!

yes I think grammar might be the way to go but still have some time in primary to get through…

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