A Level Further Mathematics Course
Mathematics is the largest and one of the most successful faculties at Ashbourne. Around half of our students study Maths in one form or another and 55% achieve A*A grades on average.

Mathematics is the largest and one of the most successful faculties at Ashbourne. Around half of our students study Maths in one form or another and 55% achieve A*A grades on average.
If you are applying to study mathematics-related courses (engineering for example) at one of the top universities you are certain to require Further Maths. Such advice is, perhaps, a bit superfluous because if you are considering such courses you must enjoy Mathematics. If you do enjoy Maths why not study it in more depth? At the very least it will give you an insight into the difficulties, challenges and beauty of advanced Mathematics.
Further Mathematics is not that difficult but poses a problem even for those who enjoy maths: you have to study. With AS Maths, once you have confidently mastered a technique, say max/min problems, it is not really necessary to ‘revise’. For A level Maths you must spend a little time memorising trigonometric identities (at least you should) or refreshing your understanding of parametric integration. But in general, provided you practise a lot you will be fine come the exam. For Further Mathematics this process of refreshing is essential.
You will learn more about vectors, transformations and hyperbolic functions which together provide a foothold on the mountain leading to Einstein’s general theory of relativity. You will also delve more deeply into the theory of complex numbers, culminating with an elegant introduction to complex transformations. Interestingly there are only two compulsory modules, core further mathematics 1 and 2; you have a wealth of choice and can avoid mechanics or statistics should one or the other not appeal.
Those intending to study Further Mathematics at AS or A level should possess at least a B grade at A level. Because of the structure of the course at Ashbourne, Further Maths students must complete the entire A level Mathematics syllabus in their first year and so the entire Further Mathematics syllabus in year 2. For international students with the appropriate background, it is possible to cover both Mathematics and Further Mathematics in one year.
Ashbourne has provided me with a comfortable environment to learn and improve. The school always encouraged me to push myself, take on challenges and helped me complete A-level Maths one year early. Minh, Civil Engineering, University of Cambridge
Ashbourne’s ambitious A level Maths and Further Maths students are strong contenders for the annual senior UKMT Maths Challenge, having won gold certificates in the past for individual and group entries. The college runs a Maths club to help students train for this extremely tough national competition which pushes students far beyond the scope of the A level syllabus.
After studying Further Maths many of our students have chosen to read degrees in Engineering, Physics, Economics, Accountancy and Pure Mathematics. Our students have gone on to study both in London at the prestigious University College London and Imperial College London and further afield with many students being placed at Warwick, Nottingham and Cambridge.
1. How is Further Maths different from A-level Maths?
A-level Maths builds on the foundations of algebra, trigonometry, calculus, mechanics and statistics. Further Maths goes beyond this into areas such as complex numbers, hyperbolic functions, matrices, group theory, advanced probability, and differential equations. It opens up the real beauty of advanced mathematics and provides a stronger preparation for university-level study.
2. Which exam board does Ashbourne use for Further Maths?
We follow the Edexcel specification for A-level and AS level Further Mathematics. Students complete two compulsory core modules in pure maths plus two optional modules in further pure maths, further mechanics or further statistics. Each module is assessed by a 90-minute written exam.
3. Is Further Maths very difficult?
Further Maths is challenging but not impossible, what it really requires is consistent study and practice. Unlike standard A-level Maths, where refreshing topics might be enough, Further Maths demands regular review to stay on top of advanced ideas. With Ashbourne’s small classes, one-to-one support, and extra clinics, students are fully supported to succeed.
4. Why should I study A-level Further Mathematics?
If you are applying for highly competitive maths-related degrees such as engineering, physics, economics, accountancy or pure mathematics, most top universities will require Further Maths. It demonstrates not only your ability but also your commitment to tackling advanced concepts. If you enjoy mathematics, this course allows you to explore it in much greater depth and appreciate its elegance and complexity.