Admissions
Exeter Maths School admissions
- GCSE requirements
- Grade 8+ in Mathematics (a Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics is accepted as equivalent); Grade 7+ in Physics, or Grade 8+ in Combined Science, or Grade 8+ in Computer Science if not taking Physics; Grade 5+ in English Language or Literature; six GCSEs overall at grade 5+.
- Required A-levels
- Mathematics, Further Mathematics
- Subject notes
- Plus one compulsory further subject from Physics or Computer Science (both can be taken as a fourth); an optional additional A-level is available via Exeter College's wider curriculum.
- Entrance test
- A non-calculator maths paper pitched not to exceed National Curriculum Level 8, designed to test problem-solving and potential rather than curriculum mastery — the school says applicants are "expected to get stuck."
- Interview
- A roughly 3–3.5 hour visit: a group maths lesson taught by staff, a pastoral interview (about an hour), and an open-book written assessment based on the lesson (45–90 minutes).
- Deadline
- For September 2027 entry: applications close Wednesday 7 January 2027, entrance test Saturday 6 February 2027, interviews Saturday 6 March 2027, conditional offers Friday 13 March 2027, acceptance deadline Monday 22 March 2027. (The September 2026 cycle closed 7 December 2025 and its waiting pool is full.)
- How to apply
- https://ems.applicaa.com/apply26 — see exetermathematicsschool.ac.uk/apply/how-to-apply/
- Catchment
- Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset historically. From September 2026 entry this expands to add Bristol, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. Out-of-area applicants are only considered with firm, funded relocation plans.
What happens after you apply
Broadly: application → aptitude test → interview (if shortlisted) → conditional offer → confirmation on GCSE results day. See our general how to apply guide for what to expect at each stage, and admissions tests / interviews for detail on those two stages specifically.