Some (hopefully helpful) words of advice. I am currently in year 12 at KCLMS; here are some heads up before you apply.
For the purposes of confidentiality, this message is being submitted anonymously.
+++ Pros +++
1. The school is highly sophisticated in terms of technology. Each pupil is equipped with a Microsoft365 subscription and currently all homework is completed on Microsoft OneNote. All pupils have been handed £36 "One by Wacom" slates to write onto OneNote with. These arrangements undoubtedly made remote learning during COVID-19 as effective as possible.
2. There is great emphasis on wellbeing, including good communication with designated tutors and Designated Safeguarding Lead.
3. Transport links are pretty good in the area - with Waterloo, a major transport hub, being a 10 minute walk from the school.
4. People have similar interests and aspirations for the future and the school is welcoming to all backgrounds.
5. There are five examinations for each subject across year 12 - thorough examination and feedback is essential for success.
--- Cons ---
1. A significant proportion of students at Kings Maths School are somewhat antisocial. So, if you're looking to maintain a healthy social life, I would strongly advise you to stick to other schools, preferably where a bunch of your friends are thinking about heading to.
2. There are only 70-80 people in each year group - again, there is a limit to social interaction both due to the fact that there simply are not many people and also due to COVID-19.
3. The way lessons are delivered is pretty much the same as in most other schools. The main reason why Kings Maths School has the highest grades in the country (as of 2019, 2020) is *because* it is a highly selective school rather than because it increases the progress made by learners. Put simply, the highest achievers at GCSE form a large proportion of the highest achievers at A-Level.
4. Pupils do not have a choice of which modules to study for A-Level Further Mathematics - all learners study further core, further statistics and further mechanics.
5. Note that the former applies to all schools, the latter refers to KCLMS: due to the current situation with COVID-19, social contact with the other year group (i.e. year 13) is strictly forbidden and it has recently been brought to my attention that the school have threatened disciplinary action against pupils who interact with those outside their 'bubble' outside of school.
6. For most pupils, the commute to and from school every day is simply not worth it.
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Hope this helps.