Mill Hill and Belmont Launch a Specialist Maths School

Mathematical prowess is more in demand than ever, both in our universities and across the wider economy. Developing these skills not only opens doors to exciting career opportunities but also equips individuals with the critical thinking and problem-solving abilities needed to navigate an ever-changing world.

The prospect of a specialist maths secondary school for 11-18-year-olds in the UK is highly compelling. Other countries celebrate young talent and dominate international academic league tables - it is time for the UK to rise to the challenge.

Mill Hill Schools are excited to announce the launch of 1729 Maths School, the UK's first specialist maths secondary school, located on their stunning campus. 1729 will offer an outstanding and rigorous maths-based education to pupils irrespective of family income. This opportunity will be complemented by a broad curriculum and an extensive co-curricular offering that comes from being part of the Mill Hill Schools family.

The 1729 Maths School will identify gifted mathematicians from an earlier age and develop them over a longer period. Through Purposeful Ventures, a not-for-profit charity, 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. The mission? To identify, nurture and develop world-class mathematical talent.

“It is a real privilege to be building out the unique ‘school within a school’ concept, working with incredible partners in Mill Hill Schools and Purposeful Ventures. The project exudes excellence, from the funders’ vision to the existing culture of Mill Hill Schools and the experience that our world-class advisors are bringing. 1729 Maths School will be just the place for the UK’s finest young mathematical talent.” Andy Roberts, Founding COO, 1729 Maths School.

The success of the post-16 specialist maths schools established under the Department for Education’s ‘Free Schools’ initiative has demonstrated what can be achieved. Building on this foundation, 1729 Maths School will ensure that any pupil, regardless of family income, can attend and thrive - with one of the most generous bursary programmes in the UK, family income should never be a barrier for pupils with the potential to thrive at 1729.

Fully co-educational and offering both day and boarding provision, 1729 will initially welcome Year 7 and Year 9 pupils from September 2025. Mill Hill and Belmont’s strong reputations, bolstered by glowing Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) reports and Good Schools Guide reviews, reflects our commitment to excellence and innovation.

The 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, alongside the wider advisory board. There is every reason to be confident that, in just a few short years, 1729 Maths School will be a true centre of excellence, with over a hundred pupils flourishing both academically and socially.

"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.

We hope pupils graduating from 1729 Maths School will carry the torch for mathematics in industries across the UK and globally in the decades ahead.