The 1729 Maths School will be the UK's first specialist maths school for pupils aged 11-18, educating boys and girls from Year 7 to Year 13, regardless of family income. For the first time in the UK, our unique school will be identifying and nurturing mathematically talented young people from the age of 11.
Our school’s ability to offer places regardless of family income comes from the unique way it is funded: a partnership between Mill Hill Schools and Purposeful Ventures, a non-profit organisation working towards a fairer society where all young people thrive. Through Purposeful Ventures, the 1729 Maths School has been initiated and is funded by Alex and Elena Gerko, major supporters of maths education and research in the UK.
Alex Gerko and Elena Gerko said, ‘Specialist sixth-form maths schools have already shown just how far exceptional young mathematicians can go when they are stretched and supported. But mathematical talent does not begin at 16. By launching the 1729 Maths School for pupils from Year 7—and underpinning it with one of the most generous bursary programmes in the UK—we will spot ability earlier, remove financial barriers and give gifted children the deep, rigorous education they deserve.’
The UK’s first post-16 specialist maths school opened in 2014. The success of these schools has shown a glimpse of what can be achieved with a maths-focussed education for pupils with natural talent.
In the UK, there is a dramatic drop-off in maths enjoyment, confidence and achievement among pupils once they leave primary school.
By creating a dedicated environment for naturally talented young people from the start of secondary school, the 1729 Maths School’s aim is to identify, nurture and develop world-class mathematical talent from an earlier age.
Our 1729 Maths School, based in north London, will offer places to those who deserve them: family income will never be a barrier for pupils to thrive at the school. Partially and fully funded places are available.
Located within our stunning 120-acre Mill Hill School campus in north London, our 1729 Maths School will offer an outstanding and rigorous maths-based education, complemented by a broad curriculum and an extensive co-curricular offering that comes from being part of the Mill Hill Schools family.
Our Founding Head of 1729 Maths School is Nick Hamshaw. He will be supported by David Benson, Head of Mill Hill School and Dr Susannah Abbott, Head of Belmont, Mill Hill Prep.
‘I am thrilled to be the Founding Head of 1729 — a school unlike any other, purpose-built for children with exceptional mathematical potential. We’re building a place where extraordinary mathematical 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 thrive when working independently and will grow when communicating and collaborating with like-minded peers.’ Nick Hamshaw, Founding Head, 1729 Maths School
Registration is open
1729 Maths School is currently welcoming families to register interest for Year 7 and Year 9 entry in September 2026. A full admissions process will begin in September, with a selection of written and oral assessments at the school that ensure a meritocratic approach to identifying and supporting exceptional young mathematicians. There will also be a full onboarding programme for pupils to feel a sense of belonging to our unique school.