As part of Theresa May’s post Brexit strategy plan the prime minister has unveiled the government is investing £170 million to establish its “Institutes of Technology” strategy. It will work towards tackling Britain’s low productivity compared to other developed countries, something which Philip Hammond, the Chancellor, has prioritised. The plan will include opening a specialist maths school in every town, drawing in experts to raise standards and help create a generation who are numbers savvy.

The free school model will be used building on the Exeter and King’s College London Mathematics Schools. Last year all of the students at Kings College received A stars or As in their maths A levels, making it one of the best performing state schools in the country. Headteachers will receive extra funding to convert to specialist maths status as part of a drive to boost the skills of British pupils.  

Since 2012 the UK has dropped seven places to 27 in its ranking for Mathematics against 70 major countries. The prime minister is keen to make sure youngsters leave school with a proper grasp of maths needed to take a technical course.

Mrs May said: “Our modern industrial strategy is a critical part of our plan for post-Brexit Britain. “As we leave the EU it will help us grasp the bigger prize: the chance to build that stronger, fairer Britain that stands tall in the world and is set-up to succeed in the long-term. And it is a vital step towards building a country where prosperity is shared and there is genuine opportunity for all.” “Our action will help ensure young people develop the skills they need to do the high-paid, high-skilled jobs of the future.

That means boosting technical education and ensuring we extend the same opportunity and respect we give university graduates to those people who pursue technical routes.” Greg Clark, the Business and Energy Secretary, said: "The UK has some of the best universities in the world and our schools are improving, yet for too long technical education for school leavers has been neglected - with large differences in skill levels between regions.” “We must improve skills and opportunities so we can close the gap between the best people, places and businesses and the rest.” The proposals will be outlined in a government “green paper,” with ministers urging feedback from people and institutions across the UK before deciding how to proceed.