1729 Maths School is a pioneering school, based in North London, for the brightest mathematical minds. It provides a world-class education with a deep focus on maths, combining expert school teaching and university-style learning. Admission is selective and need-blind, with full and partial bursaries available for a wide range of income levels.

I am thrilled to be the Founding Head of 1729 Maths School, a school unlike any other, purpose-built for children with exceptional mathematical potential. We are building a place where extraordinary minds can flourish and where curiosity lies at the heart of everything we do. Children who thrive at 1729 will be those with an insatiable appetite for new ideas, a natural ability to think in new and different ways, and a fascination with challenging, unsolved problems. They will succeed when working independently, and will grow when communicating and collaborating with like-minded peers. I am honoured to work alongside the most exceptional mathematical talent in the country and hope you enjoy exploring our website.
Nick Hamshaw
Founding Head, 1729 Maths School

We are committed to supporting the most promising young mathematicians on a meritocratic basis, therefore our admissions are selective and need-blind. Up to £2.4 million is available each year in full and partial bursaries for a wide range of income levels, enabling students to attend the school whatever their family’s financial circumstances.

1729 Maths School has been initiated and funded by Alex and Elena Gerko, and is being delivered through a charitable partnership with Mill Hill Education Group and Purposeful Ventures.
Alex and Elena Gerko are among the UK’s largest philanthropists, having committed over £375 million to charities globally. Alex is the Founder and CEO of XTX Markets, the leading algorithmic trading firm. As founding donors of 1729, Alex and Elena set out to establish a world-leading maths school in England. Their support covers the cost of developing the school and all available bursaries. Alex also founded Axiom Maths, a charity enabling the growth of “maths circles” in schools across the country, and XTX Markets is the Founding Donor of U-Maths, the network of specialist maths sixth forms run in partnership with top university maths departments.


Mill Hill Education Group is a collection of charitable independent schools. Its aim of instilling values and inspiring minds has been a key focus since the founding of Mill Hill School in 1807. All their schools share an educational philosophy to develop thoughtful and responsible students with a global outlook. School life combines academic rigour with a breadth of opportunities to develop young people able to flourish in an ever-changing world.
Purposeful Ventures is a charity that partners with schools, charities and philanthropists to improve the education and wellbeing of all young people. As part of its mission, it supports students to engage with and excel in advanced mathematics. Purposeful Ventures has deep expertise in maths education. It currently leads the Maths Excellence Fund and the Maths Horizons Project and incubates the Martingale Foundation, a university scholarship programme for mathematicians. It also helped to deliver the 2024 International Mathematical Olympiad, held in the UK.

We are also supported by an Advisory Group of mathematics and education experts. Learn more about the team here