Maths Challenge

The UKMT Individual Maths Challenges are multiple choice question papers, which are designed to stimulate interest in maths in large numbers of pupils. There are three levels covering the secondary school range 11-18, together they attract over 600,000 entries from over 4,000 schools and colleges.

The Junior Challenges is aimed at pupils in S1/2, the Intermediate Challenge is aimed at pupils in S3/4 and the Senior Challenge is aimed at pupils in S5/6.

The Maths Challenge question papers are taken in school on the date shown below and returned to the UKMT for marking. The Senior Challenge takes 90 minutes and the Intermediate and Junior Challenges are one hour long.

The papers contain 25 multiple choice questions. Of these, the first 15 are more accessible whilst the final 10 will provide more food for thought. Gold, silver and bronze certificates are awarded to 40% of participants nationally in the Junior and Intermediate Challenges, and 60% of participants nationally in the Senior Challenge. The most successful participants at each level are invited to enter follow-on rounds; Kangaroos (multiple choice questions) or Olympiads requiring full written answers.