Mathematics is a successful and very popular subject in the school, with most Year 7 students listing it as one of their favourites and some 100 students regularly pursuing it beyond GCSE each year.
We boast a well-qualified staff who share a passion for the subject whilst each having their specialist areas, and we are always willing to discuss curriculum work and recreational mathematics with students outside of lessons.
All students in Year 7 and Year 8 are entered for the UK Junior Mathematical Challenge and several boys each year achieve sufficiently high scores to be invited to enter the Junior Mathematical Olympiad. In the past, several boys have won medals in this event. In Year 9, students in the accelerated group are entered for the Intermediate Mathematical Challenge.
We also take part in the Hans Woyda Mathematics Competition every year, which gives some of the most able students from years 9, 11, 12 and 13 the opportunity to compete against similarly gifted students from other local schools.
There are many opportunities for sixth form students to extend their enjoyment of Mathematics beyond the classroom. Trips are arranged to various lectures, both locally and in London. Those studying Further Mathematics are entered for the UKMT Senior Mathematical Challenge, with many students progressing to the Olympiad stage, and for the last few years, we have entered teams in the Senior Team Challenge.
United Kingdom Mathematics Trust
Contact Head of KS3 Mathematics
Contact Head of Further Mathematics
Contact Head of Faculty (Mathematics)
Mathematics in Year 7
Year 7 students are taught in groups of 27 students. They have seven 45-minute lessons per fortnight, with approximately 40 to 60 minutes of homework set each week.
Soon after arrival at Sutton Grammar, boys are given an assessment test to establish their attainment on entry and to provide a benchmark for monitoring future progress. Thereafter, tests are set regularly across the year group.
The course textbook is ‘Essential Mathematics 7H’ by David Rayner and Michael White, chosen for its mathematical thoroughness and compatibility with the National Curriculum. Other materials from various sources supplement this text including the Sparx Maths online platform, which is used for some homework tasks.
Mathematics in Year 8
Year 8 students continue to be taught in tutor groups of 27 each. They have seven 45-minute lessons per fortnight, with approximately 60 minutes of homework set each week. Students are given regular tests across the year to monitor overall progress. These tests and the final examination are also used to help identify the most appropriate set for the coming year.
The course textbook is ‘Essential Mathematics 8H’ by David Rayner and Michael White, chosen for its mathematical thoroughness and compatibility with the National Curriculum. Other materials from various sources supplement this text including the Sparx Maths online platform, which is used for some homework tasks.
Mathematics in Year 9
Students will have been taught in tutor groups in years 7 and 8, but at the start of year 9, they are set. Depending on timetabling constraints, the boys will either be set (a) entirely according to ability or (b) in two parallel streams.
Option (a)
If set entirely, the sets will be labelled 1,2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 and 4.
Sets 1 and 2 are for our most able mathematicians and will have 30 students in each group. Set 4 is for those students who we feel would benefit from more individual attention in lessons and have fewer students, usually no more than eighteen. All other students are divided between sets 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 in such a way as to keep the ability level in these three groups the same.
Option (b)
If in two parallel sets, the groups will be labelled A1, A2, A3.1 A3.2, B1, and B2. The A or B element of your son’s group is determined by his form group with Manor, Warwick and Greyhound being split between A1, A2, A3.1 and A3.2. Set A1 is for the more able students from these 3 forms and is a group of 30 students. Similarly, Lenham and Throwley are split between B1 and B2. B1 is a group of 30 of the more able students from these forms.
The decisions about which set individual students have been placed in are informed by their performance throughout years 7 and 8, looking at test, exam and maths challenge results together with their teacher’s assessment of how they might respond to a change of pace. We review these decisions regularly and adjust the grouping when necessary. Test results will be taken into account, but will not be the only deciding factor. A further adjustment will be made after the year 9 examination.
In year 10 we will move to 6 groups which will be set entirely on ability as students will have their lessons at the same time. Being in set A1 or B1 does not mean that you will automatically be in set 1 in year 10.
All students, no matter which group they are in, will study the same mathematics curriculum and be entered for the higher tier of the GCSE at the end of year 11. Because students in the top sets will work faster through curriculum topics, they will have time to look at enrichment material which is not part of the GCSE course. Rest assured no-one is denied the opportunity to study mathematics or further mathematics at A level, simply by virtue of their maths set.
The course textbook is ‘Essential Maths 9H’ by David Rayner, chosen for its mathematical thoroughness, interest and compatibility with the National Curriculum. Other materials from various sources supplement this text including the Sparx Maths online platform, which is used for some homework tasks.
Students continue to have seven 45-minute lessons per fortnight and will be expected to spend approximately 60 minutes on homework each week. Furthermore, they will be tested at regular intervals throughout year 9 and there is a school exam in the Summer term.
Specification – Pearson Edexcel – Mathematics (1MA1)
What you will learn
In Mathematics, you will develop essential skills to solve problems, reason logically, and communicate effectively using mathematical language. The course covers topics such as algebra, geometry, probability, and statistics, equipping you with the tools to apply mathematics confidently in real-life situations and across other subjects.
How you will learn
Teaching methods include interactive lessons, problem-solving activities, and group tasks that encourage collaboration. Students are guided to explore mathematical concepts, practise calculations, and apply their knowledge to practical scenarios. Weekly SPARX homework enables students to consolidate their learning.
How you will be assessed
Assessment is through three end of course exams, each lasting 1½ hours. Two of these allow the use of a calculator, while one is non-calculator-based. These exams will test your understanding of mathematical concepts, problem-solving abilities, and analytical skills.
Where next
A strong GCSE in Mathematics is crucial for most careers and further education pathways. Achieving a high grade can open doors to A-level courses, such as Mathematics and Further Mathematics, and provide a foundation for fields like engineering, finance, and computer science.
Mathematics
Specification – Pearson Edexcel – Mathematics (9MA0)
Who this course is for
This course is ideal for students who enjoy problem-solving and want to apply theoretical mathematical concepts to real-life problems. It suits those who are looking to develop skills in reasoning, logic, and proof, and who are interested in the use of technology in mathematics. This course is suitable for students who have achieved grades 9 to 7 in GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics.
What you will learn
A Level Mathematics builds on concepts from GCSE and explores both pure and applied mathematics, including mechanics and statistics. You will learn to think critically and strategically, solving problems that may draw on multiple areas of knowledge.
Key areas of study include:
- Pure Mathematics: Building a strong foundation in algebra, calculus, trigonometry, and functions.
- Applied Mathematics: Covering topics in mechanics (forces, statics and dynamics) and statistics (data analysis and probability).
The course is structured with a 2:1 ratio of pure to applied content.
How you will learn
You will engage in problem-solving exercises, and practice with past exam papers. The questions will often be less structured than those at GCSE, requiring independent thinking and decision-making about the most appropriate strategies to use. You will also learn how to use mathematical technology where appropriate.
What you will need to bring
A scientific calculator, the course textbook and an exercise book for solving problems and practising mathematical techniques will be essential for both classwork and homework.
How you will be assessed
A Level Mathematics is assessed through three written exams at the end of Year 13. Each exam allows the use of a calculator and covers a combination of pure and applied content.
- Paper 1: Pure Mathematics (2hrs – 100 marks)
- Paper 2: Pure Mathematics (2hrs – 100 marks)
- Paper 3: Applied Mathematics (Mechanics and Statistics) (2hrs – 50 marks Mechanics, 50 marks Statistics)
Where next
Mathematics is a highly sought-after qualification in many fields, including accountancy, engineering, economics, psychology, medicine, architecture, and computing. It is a valuable support subject for a wide range of university courses and careers, and it helps develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Further Mathematics
Specification – Pearson Edexcel – Further Mathematics (9FM0)
Who this course is for
Further Mathematics is designed for students who have a strong aptitude for mathematics and wish to deepen their understanding of the subject. It is particularly suited for those who plan to study Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, or other highly quantitative subjects at university. This course is suitable for students who have achieved grade 9 in GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics.
What you will learn
Further Mathematics expands on the content of A Level Mathematics and introduces more complex concepts in both pure and applied mathematics.
Key areas of study include:
- Core Pure Mathematics 1 & 2: Advanced topics in algebra, calculus, and complex numbers.
- Further Statistics 1: Topics in statistical distributions, hypothesis testing, and regression.
- Further Mechanics 1: Advanced mechanics topics such as momentum, collisions, power, energy and work.
- Students will study both AS Mathematics and AS Further Mathematics in Year 12, progressing to the full A Level in both subjects in Year 13.
How you will learn
This course requires a thorough understanding of pure mathematics from the standard Mathematics A Level. You will engage with more abstract mathematical concepts and apply these to both theoretical and practical problems. Lessons will focus on problem-solving, critical analysis, and independent learning.
What you will need to bring
A scientific calculator capable of handling advanced functions, along with the course textbooks and a notebook (for recording complex problem-solving methods and mathematical proofs), will be essential.
How you will be assessed
Further Mathematics is assessed through four written exams at the end of Year 13:
- Core Pure Mathematics 1
- Core Pure Mathematics 2
- Further Statistics 1
- Further Mechanics 1
Where next
Further Mathematics is highly regarded by universities, particularly for courses in Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, Economics, and Computer Science. It provides a strong foundation for any career requiring advanced mathematical skills and demonstrates a high level of problem-solving ability and analytical thinking.