STEP Mathematics

The Sixth Term Entrance Paper (STEP) in Mathematics is used by Cambridge, and to a lesser extent other universities, to identify the most able mathematicians. A Cambridge applicant can expect to receive an offer based not just on performance at A level but on also having reached a specified standard on STEP.

The examination is administered by Cambridge Assessment and useful links and advice can be found at the Cambridge Faculty of Mathematics website. Full details of the examination and the likely requirement (in terms of performance) can be found at these sites.

The Department encourages suitable students to take STEP, irrespective of any university requirement. We take the view that it is an excellent examination not because Cambridge approves, but Cambridge approves because it is an excellent examination; and it is an excellent examination because it is a testing one, not least of problem-solving skills. A typical A level Mathematics question tends to be a technical exercise with an absolutely transparent structure. This is by no means true of STEP.

Four or five students in each year will take STEP. Much of the work is and must be done independently, though there are also weekly tutorials with members of staff. Some work is conducted online, under the auspices of MEI.