Mathematicians from Pocklington School’s Sixth Form finished in the top 3% of entries to a national competition to find the country’s finest young talent, after competing in the London final this week.

The team of Louisa Cullen, Peter Wu (both Upper Sixth), Tom Bean and Peter Massey (both Lower Sixth) finished 28th out of 85 schools in the final of the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT)’s Senior Team Maths Challenge. The competition attracted 1,300 teams.

They were coached for the competition by Mathematics teacher Holly Shand, who accompanied them to London for the five-hour challenge.

The competition tested students’ mathematical dexterity, teamwork and communication skills. The team also had to make a poster on a topic they had researched, while answering related questions given out on the day.

Peter Massey said the challenge was "a thoroughly enjoyable day, with questions stretching us to our mathematical limits".

Headmaster Mark Ronan said: “I am immensely proud of the way our team has risen to this challenge. Under Mrs Shand’s guidance, they’ve tested and stretched themselves and, as a result, performed superbly in the national final.

“This is a huge achievement and an inspiration to the rest of the school. Thanks to the team and Mrs Shand for representing us so impressively at this national level.”

UKMT is a registered charity whose aim is to advance the education of children and young people in mathematics. The UKMT organises national mathematics competitions and other mathematical enrichment activities for 11-18 year old UK school pupils, and hosts the UK’s biggest national mathematics competitions.

It runs the Senior Maths Team Challenge in conjunction with The Further Maths Support Programme (FMSP), which is supported by the Department for Education and managed by Mathematics in Education and Industry (MEI), an independent educational charity.