Q&A: Bringing Top UK Stem Education To HK!

Timothy Bateup, Head Teacher at King’s College London Mathematics School, introduces the KCLMS Hong Kong Summer Programme, new for 2026

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KCLMS

King's College London Mathematics School (KCLMS), also known as King’s Maths School, consistently tops UK national league tables and has secured a reputation as the ultimate launchpad for Britain’s top STEM undergraduates. Starting this summer, the school is bringing its expertise to local students through the KCLMS Hong Kong Summer Programme – two, intensive, two-week STEM-focused initiatives held in collaboration with Beacon Group.

KCLMS Head Teacher Timothy Bateup, a passionate mathematician and educator, shares insights into the programme.

Q: For families in Hong Kong who are new to KCLMS, could you briefly introduce the school?

A: King's Maths School is a special state-funded school founded in 2014 for students aged 16 to 19 who have an aptitude and enthusiasm for mathematics. It is run in partnership with King’s College London. Our mission is to create a dedicated environment where mathematically gifted students can truly thrive.

Q: Your academic environment is famously rigorous. What is the core philosophy that drives KCLMS?

A: We’re particularly proud of our approach to STEM subject teaching. We promote collaborative learning, where students are encouraged to question, challenge and postulate. We don’t treat the exam syllabus as a ceiling; we use it as a foundation for students to build on. We want students to explore where their curiosity leads – this is what we mean by limitless learning. Students are motivated to work together, rather than in isolation, and find solutions together.

Q: That approach clearly pays off. Can you share some recent academic results and university destinations?

A: We’re incredibly proud of our students. In 2025 A-Levels, 71% were A*, 92.2% of grades were A* to A. KCLMS has been awarded Sixth Form College of the Decade (2021), Sixth Form College of the Year (2020, 2025) and Sixth Form College of the Year for Academic Excellence (2025, 2026). We have a high success rate for university placements: 42% of leavers secured places at Oxford and Cambridge in 2025, with many others progressing to top UK universities. In particular, we focus on student development, delivering exceptional value-added results.

Q: Incredible numbers! So, what inspired you to create the KCLMS Hong Kong Summer Programme, and when is it happening?

A: The Hong Kong programme is a strategic initiative to bring the same authentic learning experience to the region. We will focus on large, complex topics that open up new concepts and show the interrelations in mathematics. In addition, one-third of the programme is dedicated to a group research project where students use mathematical concepts to solve real-life problems. On the second Saturday, students will present their research projects, and parents are welcome. There are two sessions: Session 1 runs from July 13 to 25, and Session 2 runs from July 27 to August 8.

Q: Parents here are always looking for the right fit for their teens. Who is this programme designed for, and what subjects are offered?

A: It’s ideal for students who are curious and openminded – students who want to see maths from a new perspective and enjoy being challenged. It’s suitable for students from international and local schools, as well as those from UK boarding schools, who are studying the A‑Level, IB or DSE curricula. The subjects we offer are Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics. Our aim is to encourage a love for maths, and to ignite a passion for curiosity and problem solving in any student who is attending.

Q: What led KCLMS to choose Beacon Group as its Hong Kong base for the programme?

A: Beacon Group brings strong local experience – since 1989, it has helped thousands of students pursue studies abroad and now also supports those seeking further education in Hong Kong. They’ll help us reach students who are a good fit for the programme. The programme will be held at Beacon Plus Education Centre in North Point, which is well suited to small classes (max. 15). We’ll also have dedicated administrative staff to oversee student safeguarding.

Q: The programme includes scholarship support. Can you tell us more about that?

A: A key part of King’s Maths School’s vision is to promote Mathematics for all, regardless of background. To honour that philosophy, we offer full or partial scholarships to mathematically talented students from underprivileged backgrounds.

Q: This sounds like a transformative summer. If a student is interested, how do they apply?

A: Students can apply at www.kclmshk.com. As part of the selection process, they may also be asked to complete an online maths-based admissions test and/ or attend an interview.

Visit www.kclmshk.com for more information on the programme