Maths skills will be crucial for many of the careers that will grow our economy. And a specialist college in Preston is making a huge impact on students, giving them a place to thrive both academically and socially.
Lancaster University School of Mathematics (LUSoM) was established in 2024 to boost take-up of further maths A Level as the county was lagging behind the rest of the country.
Students, who attend after GCSEs, study maths, further maths and a third A level in either physics, chemistry or computer science. There’s also the option to take a fourth A level in any of the above or something completely different at neighbouring Cardinal Newman College.
Head of School Peter Tiltman told me the college combines academic teaching with the softer skills the employees of tomorrow will need and encourages creativity through a varied pastoral programme. The slogan ‘More than just maths’ is about encouraging students out of their comfort zone, which, in turn, develops their maths skills.
One student came with a Level 5 at maths GCSE and has since secured a university place at Oxbridge.
Work is ongoing to ensure a steady pipeline of students, with outreach programmes from primary school level, and numbers are increasing year on year. This will prove crucial as Lancashire grows its capabilities in areas like cybersecurity and engineering.
"Being around other like-minded people has given me so much confidence."
Izzy, Student President
I was taken on a tour of the impressive building by student president Izzy and student cabinet member Isaac, who are eyeing careers in chemical engineering and aerospace engineering respectively.
Isaac told me he chose LUSOM because he liked the idea of being surrounded by people with the same passions, which helps the whole year group support each other. He said: “I’ve found good friends here and I know that everyone has the same passions as me, so if I ever want to talk about homework I know there’ll be someone who understands.”
Izzy added: “I wasn’t a maths-y person when I came here but being around other like-minded people has given me so much confidence, and now I am a maths-y person.”
Later I sat down with students and discussed the issues they feel are important. Public transport, delays in neurodiversity diagnoses and fair prices for farmers were all on the agenda and I was really impressed with their thoughts.
Thanks to everyone at LUSOM for making me feel so welcome.
