Priory pupils prove they're some of the best at national maths competition

Year 8 Yusuf was ‘Best in School’ at the recent Junior Mathematical Challenge (UKMT) as he collected a Gold Award.   Around 60 high ability Maths pupils in Years 7 and 8 took part in the hour-long, multiple-choice national challenge. 

The UKMT is a yearly national mathematics competition which challenges pupils to use their best problem-solving, fluency and reasoning skills to tackle some really difficult questions. There is the Junior UKMT challenge for years 7-8 and the Intermediate UKMT challenge for years 9, 10 & 11 earlier in the year. Each with their own follow up rounds for students that do particularly well.

Maths teacher, Mr Hunter, who co-ordinates the competition for Priory added, "Pupils can win a Gold, Silver or Bronze certificate if they manage to get results that put them in the top percentages nationally, so to win one is a real achievement, and is proof you're one of the most able mathematicians in the country.

Yusuf admitted his dad was the inspiration as he made it to the next stage of the United Kingdom Maths Trust (UKMT) Junior Challenge.   Gaining a Gold meant Yusuf made the second round, The Junior Kangaroo, in the challenge, where pupils are put forward by their teachers and answer multiple choice questions. 

A number of Priory pupils earned certificates for their first round performance while Yusuf earned the highest points in school and qualified for the Junior Kangaroo round, where he then gained a certificate of commendation. 

Year 8 Yusuf said: “My dad was a maths teacher so he encouraged me to take part.” 

Year 8 Freya said: “You do the challenge in a classroom and the questions get harder the further you get. The later questions can be tricky.” 

Well done to our top twelve pupils: 
Gold - Yusuf Y. Silver - Jamal C, Jacob H, Callum G-V, Eden B, Sophie P, Ben C, William I, Clara B, Dylan H, Charlie McC, Freya Y.