Introducing the Founding Teaching Team at 1729 Maths School

1729 Maths School is a new specialist maths school based across Belmont and Mill Hill School, created to offer an exceptional education for pupils with a deep aptitude and curiosity for mathematics. As preparations continue for our September 2026 opening, our teaching team is now taking shape. Alongside Founding Head Nick Hamshaw, an experienced mathematics teacher, we are pleased to introduce three further founding teachers who are helping to shape the academic vision of the school.

Vladlena Kazantseva, Curriculum Lead

Vladlena is an alumna of School No. 57, a specialist maths school in Moscow and holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Maths from Higher School of Economics (HSE), Moscow. During her career, she has led advanced maths groups and organised Olympiads and educational events. At Jeannine Manuel School and COMPOS Oxford, she drove educational innovation and empowered students through advanced mathematical instruction and curriculum development. ‌‍ ‍ ‍

Dr Elena Boguslavskaya,Head of Contemporary Mathematics

Dr Elena Boguslavskaya is a mathematician and educator with over twenty years of university teaching and research experience. She has worked at City University in London, the London School of Economics, and Brunel University London, where she is currently an Honorary Lecturer. She is co-founder and trustee of We Solve Problems, a UK-based mathematics charity with international reach. An alumna of Moscow’s School No. 57, Elena studied at Moscow State University and earned a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Amsterdam. ‌‍ ‍ ‍

Davide Leonessi, Teacher of Maths

Davide Leonessi joins the team as Teacher of Maths. He is a mathematician and passionate educator with experience teaching and mentoring pupils in competitive and enrichment settings. Davide’s approach combines intellectual rigour with a strong belief in nurturing confidence and curiosity. He is particularly interested in problem solving, logical reasoning and supporting pupils to think independently and collaboratively.

Together, the founding team has developed a highly specialised maths curriculum for 1729 pupils, designed specifically for this school and its learners. The curriculum balances depth with breadth and places problem solving at its heart.

Things are continuing apace with 1729. We have received many applications for our founding Year 7 and Year 9 cohorts. We are now in the final stage of our admissions process, with shortlisted pupils spending the next two weeks in school for oral assessments and will soon have our new cohort confirmed for September 2026. We have been struck by the enthusiasm, creativity and mathematical maturity of the candidates and are grateful to families and schools for their engagement and support.

Interviews with members of the founding team will be coming soon. Please keep an eye on our website and social channels for updates