Royal Institution Mathematics Masterclasses

The Royal Institution Mathematics Masterclasses are designed to stimulate and encourage pupils in the art and practice of Mathematics. They cover topics which are not normally taught as part of the syllabus in schools.

As we can only offer 40 places, participation is strictly by invitation only. Each year, all secondary schools in the Leeds Education Authority area are invited to nominate suitable pupils to attend the classes.

About the Masterclasses

In 1978 the televised Christmas Lectures for Young People at the Royal Institution were given by Professor Christopher Zeeman on Mathematics. They attracted much favourable attention and there was a demand for a follow up. In response, the Royal Institution organised a pilot series of sessions for boys and girls of 12 to 13 years, under the title Masterclasses. The Royal Institution has encouraged groups throughout the country to organise similar classes. They are now organised at over 30 different centres throughout the country.

Leeds University was one of the earliest to respond to the Royal Institution’s initiative. The first series of Royal Institution Mathematics Masterclasses in Leeds was held in 1984, and further Masterclasses have been held every year, except 1993 and 2015, since then.