Four talented Lower 6th pupils have triumphed in the Regional Finals of the UKMT Team Maths Challenge, a national competition run by the UK Mathematics Trust and Leeds University to promote and encourage excellence in mathematics. The successful pupils now go on to represent Gloucestershire in the National Finals, held in London on Wednesday 3rd February. Professor Marcus Du Sautoy of Oxford University will be presenting the trophies to the winners. We wish them the very best of luck.

The UKMT Team Maths Challenge requires students not only to solve complex mathematical problems but also to work as a team, competing against other schools. 17 schools took part in the Regional Finals, including Cheltenham Ladies College, Dean Close and St Edward’s. Competition was extremely stiff and the pupils performed outstandingly to come top. They are now looking forward to taking their skills to the next level and to pitting themselves against the top schools in the country.

Brendan Enright, Head of Mathematics at Cheltenham College commented: "The team has done very well indeed to win this competition. The questions were difficult and the pupils not only shined in their mathematics but also in their team working and leadership skills. Their enthusiasm is wonderful to see and they have received great support from their fellow pupils. I wish them good luck for the National Finals in February next year.”

Earlier this year, ten pupils were awarded Gold certificates by the UK Mathematics Trust for their outstanding performance in the Intermediate Challenge, a nationwide competition open to all students in year 11 and below. Over 600,00 pupils from 4000 schools took part in the competition and the Cheltenham pupils came in the top 7% - a tremendous achievement.

Participating in the Cheltenham College team were (left to right in photo): Ying (Ariel) He, Ka-Ho (Horace) Chien, Mathematics teacher Dr Paul Chipman, Jun Ho Ku and Peter Wild.