Thomas thrives at elite UK maths school

By Jill Dando News

Thomas Duford, a former student at Worle Community School Academy, is nearing the end of an impressive two-year stint at the prestigious Exeter Mathematics School (EMS).

It is one of the best maths colleges in the UK.

The hard work has paid off as Thomas now holds offers to study a joint Mathematics and Computer Science honours degree at Bristol, Exeter, Southampton and Swansea universities.

Thomas has achieved a certificate of merit in the UKMT Senior Kangaroo and a Certificate of Distinction / Gold Award un the UK Bebras Challenge.

His tutor at Exeter Ed Horncastle said; “Tom has really enjoyed his time at EMS. He has engaged with mathematics, computer science and physics as well as his tutor group.

“He is an excellent problem solver and mathematician. He really gets stuck in to solving difficult problems often using a computer to solve them.

“He has found a place he can be happy and is often seen laughing with his peers. He’s doing well and should come out with some excellent A levels too!”

Thomas thrived at Worle Community School Academy and was one of only 120 students across Britain to be invited to a Virtual United Kingdom Mathematics Trust summer school.

Thomas was achieving in the top 1%  of UK students while at Worle. He was also tutored by a maths expert, formerly of Oxford University, as part of a mentoring scheme provided by the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust. 

He achieved full marks in the Intermediate Maths Challenge competition and was invited to take part in the prestigious Maclaurin Olympiad.

To achieve full marks in the competition is exceptionally rare, with only a few students doing so nationally each year.

Mum Michelle said;  "The decision to choose Exeter Maths School to study his A-Levels was a brave one, particularly as it meant Boarding away from home Monday – Friday and lots of train journeys.  The trains have been a challenge, especially during train strikes and bad weather. 

“Boarding has also been a big experience and Thomas has learned skills that will help him to be more confident and independent as he continues his journey to University.  “Thomas has achieved a certificate of merit in the UKMT Senior Kangaroo and a Certificate of Distinction / Gold Award un the UK Bebras Challenge."

The achievement follows Thomas' string of previous successes in the competition during his time at Worle.

Principal Mark Tidman said: “This is a fantastic achievement by Thomas. Everyone at our school is so proud of him.”

WCSA has a thriving maths department that stretches students to their best ability and aims to make the subject fun and challenging.

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