It all added up to some impressive results, when Maths aces at Springwood High School ranked among the top scorers in two national problem-solving challenges.

Organised by the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust and open only to female students, the UKMT Maths Competition for Girls and UKMT Maths Olympiad for Girls saw the eight of our sixth formers rise to the occasion, with six entering the Competition and two the Olympiad.

Maths Teacher Lucy Edwards supported both events, which were organised by Key Stage 5 Maths Lead Ben Coote.

“Mr Coote organised the running of the competition within our school and sought some of our top performing sixth form students to take part,” she explained.

“These competitions run across the UK, produced by the UK Maths Trust, and students in year 11 and above could be selected.

“Both assessments consisted of problem-solving questions. The Maths Olympiad paper was two hours and 30 minutes long, and the Maths Competition paper was 90 minutes long.”

Among the Year 12 and 13 students from our school, which is a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, Methumlee and Matilda each achieved a Distinction in the Olympiad; while Emilia, Grace, and Esther were awarded Merits in the Competition, and Cherish, Sofia, and Caitlin received certificates.

Miss Edwards continued: “Events like these are vital for closing the gender gap in STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths] by providing a supportive environment that builds confidence and breaks down stereotypes. These competitions take place once per year.

“These competitions benefit students by developing advanced problem-solving skills, fostering a community of like-minded peers, and strengthening university applications through recognised academic achievements.”