Calling all young mathematicians in Milton Keynes

Explore Learning's National Young Mathematicians' Awards are back - and looking for bright young things in Milton Keynes!
Bobby SeagullBobby Seagull
Bobby Seagull

The competition aimed at school children across the UK is returning with a new format; where both primary schools and secondary school children can compete against other teams to be crowned the National Young Mathematicians of the Year.

Now in its ninth year, the free competition was the UK’s first team maths contest for schools and is organised by tuition provider, Explore Learning and NRICH at the University of Cambridge.

Bobby Seagull, University Challenge legend, TV presenter, school maths teacher and author will have the job of awarding the winners and runners up with their prizes in January.

Schools across Milton Keynes are invited to enter a team of four pupils who will have the unique opportunity to tackle a never-before-seen mathematical problemSchools across Milton Keynes are invited to enter a team of four pupils who will have the unique opportunity to tackle a never-before-seen mathematical problem
Schools across Milton Keynes are invited to enter a team of four pupils who will have the unique opportunity to tackle a never-before-seen mathematical problem

Schools across Milton Keynes are invited to enter a team of four pupils who will have the unique opportunity to tackle a never-before-seen mathematical problem.

By popular demand, this year’s competition will be split into two levels. The Primary Competition is for pupils in Year 6 (England) and P7 in Wales and Scotland and below while the Secondary Competition is for pupils in Year 8 (England) and 2nd Year in Wales in Scotland and younger.

“Maths is in my blood and I’m thrilled to be able to inspire the next generation who might one day study at the University of Cambridge themselves – and perhaps appear on University Challenge!" Bobby said.

"Maths is such an integral part of our everyday lives and having competitions like this really encourages children to see the importance of it and excitement that it can bring. I can’t wait to celebrate the children’s success with them.”

The contest is be made up of three rounds. The first rounds which takes place on Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th November at 12pm – 2pm, sees teams compete against other local schools at Explore Learning, Inside Sainsbury's, Witan Gate, Milton Keynes, MK9 2FW.

The semi-finals on Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 December at 12pm – 2pm, take the highest scoring schools in their region who battle it out to become the top five teams in the UK.

Here the highest scoring primary and secondary schools from the across the UK will venture to Cambridge to take part in the grand final in January!

Charlotte Gater, Head of Curriculum at organisers of the competition, Explore Learning says: “We are very excited to be launching the eighth National Young Mathematicians’ Awards. After the positive feedback from teachers, parents and children alike we have decided to grow the competition to encompass secondary school children as well – giving those from years seven and eight the opportunity to show off their maths skills and compete in a fun, challenging environment.”

“The children absolutely love taking part in the competition and making it to the grand final at the University of Cambridge is one of their proudest moments that stays with them for life! We can’t wait to see the impressive problem solving skills and fantastic teamwork that will be on display.”

Not only will this year’s winners be crowed the best young mathematicians in the country, the two winning teams and eight runners up will receive prizes from Meccano, Letts Revision, i-Top and Sum Fun.

For more information on the awards and to register a team please visit www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngmathematicians or speak to a member of the team on 01908 394 912.