2026 Maths Challenge Dates
Below is a table showing the dates of the main UKMT and Mathematical Association Maths Challenges in 2026 (see 2025 dates here).
Rows in bold are the main (first round) maths challenges open to all students. The non-bold rows are follow-on rounds for those who do well in the first round or who make discretionary entries.
You can also find links to FREE online courses to help students prepare for most of these challenges, linked on the right of each row. These include (with permission from UKMT and the Mathematical Association) real past challenge questions with my video hints and solutions.
The Mathsaurus courses website also includes paid courses Go for Gold (age 11-13), Go for Gold (age 13-16) and Go for Gold (age 16-18) as well as live group tuition options to prepare for the challenges.
The most up-to-date information about upcoming challenge dates can always be found at the official UKMT website: 2025/6 Competition Calendar.
| Competition Date | Competition | Age Range | Years England + Wales (Scotland) | Free Preparation Course | Past Papers + Grade Boundaries |
| Weds 21st Jan 2026 | BMO 2 | 16-18 | 12-13 (S5 S6) | Past Papers | |
| Weds 28th Jan 2026* | Intermediate Maths Challenge | 13-16 | 9-11 (S3 S4) | Get Ready for the IMC | Papers + Boundaries |
| Feb 2026 | Primary Bonus Round | 9-11 | 5-6 (P5 P6) | Get Ready for the Bonus Round | Papers + Boundaries |
| Thursday 19th -26th March 2026 | Primary Kangaroo | 9-11 | 5-6 (P5 P6) | ||
| Thurs 19th March 2026 | Grey and Pink Kangaroos | 13-16 | 9-11 (S3 S4) | Get Ready for the Grey Kangaroo | Papers + Boundaries |
| Thurs 19th March 2026* | Cayley, Hamilton and Maclaurin Olympiads | 13-16 | 9-11 (S3 S4) | Get Ready for the Intermediate Olympiad | Papers + Boundaries |
| Weds 29th April 2026*# | Junior Maths Challenge | 11-13 | 7 -8 (S1 S2) | Get Ready for the JMC | Papers + Boundaries |
| Tuesday 9th June 2026 | Junior Kangaroo | 11-13 | Y7-8 (S1 S2) | Junior Kangaroo + Olympiad | Papers + Boundaries |
| Tuesday 9th June 2026* | Junior Olympiad | 11-13 | Y7-8 (S1 S2) | Junior Kangaroo + Olympiad | Papers + Boundaries |
| June 2026 | First Maths Challenge | 7-9 | 3-4 (P3 P4) | Get Ready for the First Maths Challenge | Past Papers |
| September 2026 | Mathematical Olympiad for Girls | 15-18 | 11-13 S4 S5 S6 | Past Papers | |
| October 2026* | Senior Maths Challenge | 16-18 | 12-13 (S5 S6) | Get Ready for the SMC | Papers + Boundaries |
| November 2026 | Primary Maths Challenge | 9-11 | 5-6 (P5 P6) | Prepare for the PMC | Past Papers |
| November 2026 | Senior Kangaroo | 16-18 | 12-13 (S5 S6) | Get Ready for the Senior Kangaroo | Papers + Boundaries |
| November 2026* | BMO 1 | 16-18 | 12-13 (S5 S6) | Past Papers |
# The JMC 2026 was originally pencilled in for Thursday 7th May, however, due to a clash with national examinations, was moved to Wednesday 29th April.