Pocklington School Upper Sixth Form student, Louisa Cullen, with Headmaster, Mr Mark Ronan

Louisa Cullen has been selected for an elite training camp which could lead to her representing the UK in International Mathematical Olympiads (IMOs).

The Upper Sixth Former will spend the New Year in Budapest with around 20 of the country’s best young mathematicians, training with the Hungarian IMO squad to prepare for international level competition.

Louisa was invited to join the camp in Hungary following a high score in the first round of the British Mathematical Olympiad last month. She and fellow Upper Sixth Former Peter Wu were asked to take part in that invitation-only competition after impressing in a Senior Challenge in November.

And in October, Louisa was one of 11 girls who scored 50 out of 50 in the UK Mathematical Olympiad for Girls (MOG) paper, taken by 1756 entrants across the country. The mean score among this year’s participants was 10, and Louisa’s 100% score put her in the top 0.6% of those who took part.

John Cullen, Head of Mathematics, Pocklington School, said: “The IMO is contested by the most gifted teenaged mathematicians from all over the world and it’s a tremendous compliment to be invited to train with the UK team.

“I’m sure Louisa will enjoy the challenge of testing herself in such company, as well as finding the trip itself a wonderful experience. The Mathematics Department is very proud of her.”

UKMT is a registered charity whose aim is to advance the education of children and young people in mathematics. Every year its competitions attract the country’s keenest and most talented young mathematicians keen test themselves against their peers.