Imperial and LSE launch tutoring initiative to boost girls’ maths confidence

Imperial College London and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) have teamed up to launch Future Maths - a new multi-intervention programme designed to help girls 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 pupils aged 12-13 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.   

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.” Andrew Tebbutt Director of Outreach at Imperial

To deliver the programme, Imperial will work with Pimlico Academy and Phoenix Academy in White City, and LSE with Barking Abbey School in East London and The John Roan School in Greenwich.   

The initiative launched in November with all four schools visiting Imperial where pupils 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 Imperial and LSE students. They will also participate 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. 

Imperial student tutor Samin Yasar, who is studying an MEng in Molecular Bioengineering with year in industry, said: “Being part of the Future Maths programme has been an incredibly rewarding experience so far. I’ve spent several years working in widening participation at Imperial, and this initiative stood out to me because it brings in-person support directly to pupils in small group settings.  

“The opportunity to work with promising young students and seeing their confidence grow each week has been genuinely inspiring. I’m motivated by the chance to show students from underrepresented backgrounds that maths is not only accessible and fun, but also something they can truly excel in. I also greatly appreciate all the support and training provided by Team Up, that have made me confident in my abilities as a tutor.” 

Boosting confidence and raising attainment

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.  

Andrew Tebbutt, Director of Outreach at Imperial, 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 maths. Both Imperial and LSE depend on strong mathematical foundations. 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.”   

LSE Vice President and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Professor Emma McCoy 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.”