LSE and Imperial College London launch tutoring initiative to boost girls’ maths confidence
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and Imperial College London have teamed up to launch Future Maths - a new multi-intervention programme designed to help Year 8 girls (aged 12-13) strengthen their maths skills and stay on track for top grades.
Partnering with expert tutoring charity Team Up, the initiative will run through the 2025–26 academic year and support 80 female pupils across London. The programme targets girls with high prior attainment who face educational disadvantage (for example, they are care-experienced or eligible for Free School Meals) and are at risk of not reaching their full potential in maths.
To deliver the programme, LSE will work with Barking Abbey School in East London and The John Roan School in Greenwich, while Imperial will partner with two schools in west London.
The initiative launched in November with all four schools visiting Imperial, where they explored the differences between social sciences and STEM-focused universities and participated in a hands-on chemistry workshop. Starting in January, the pupils will then take part in nine weeks of small-group, in-person tutoring delivered by trained LSE and Imperial students. They will also take part in an interactive maths workshop delivered by inspiring LSE PhD students. The programme will conclude with a celebratory event at LSE, offering pupils a taste of university life and insight into future pathways in mathematics and related careers.
Why does this matter? Research shows girls are less likely to pursue maths and quantitative subjects at university - often due to a lack of confidence in these subjects, gender stereotypes, inconsistent advice and limited role models. Future Maths aims to change that by boosting confidence, raising GCSE Maths attainment, and inspiring more girls to continue with Maths at A-level and beyond.
Commenting on the new programme, LSE Vice President and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Professor Emma McCoy, who has been a keen supporter of this work said: “We’re proud to be working with Imperial College London, TeamUp and our secondary school partners to create a programme that unlocks potential, giving girls the confidence and support to excel in maths. By showing them the wider possibilities that strong mathematical skills can unlock in their future careers, we’re not just helping them succeed academically but also opening doors to opportunities that can transform their futures.”
An LSE student who has signed up to be a tutor on the programme and is in the second year of their Finance and Accounting degree commented: “I’ve always enjoyed maths, but more than that, I’ve seen how much confidence shapes how people engage with it.”
“When I was at school, a single teacher who explained concepts differently made all the difference for me. It showed me that ability isn’t fixed; it’s often about how the subject is presented. That’s what inspired me to join the Future Maths programme: to be that small shift in perspective for someone else. I wanted to help students see maths as something they can enjoy and master, not something to be anxious about.”
Andrew Tebbutt, Director of Outreach, Imperial College London said: “We are delighted to collaborate with LSE on this important initiative. Engaging with school pupils early in their secondary education is essential for building confidence and enthusiasm in mathematics. Both Imperial and LSE depend on strong mathematical foundations, and by supporting these young learners now, we hope to spark a lasting interest in the subject and create the foundations for future success as problem-solvers.”