May Half-Term 2026 Mathematics Courses: Your Complete Guide

May Half-Term 2026 Live Maths Courses: Your Complete Guide

The Junior Kangaroo and Junior Mathematical Olympiad take place on 9th June, making May half-term the ideal time for focused preparation. We’re running intensive courses all week for ages 11-13, plus IGCSE revision for ages 14-16. All courses are taught live by me (Kevin), with lesson notes provided after every session.

An introduction to Olympiad problem-solving and solution-writing

If you are taking the Junior Mathematical Olympiad on 9th June this course provides an introduction to Olympiad style problem-solving, focused on Q1-4 of the paper and targeting the Merit and Distinction thresholds.

There’s a huge difference between the JMC and the Olympiad. Students get very little credit for correct answers alone and must write detailed solutions to score well. In this course we will work through a range of Olympiad-style problems across the most common topics, focusing on how to solve the problems as well as how to write up the solutions.

This course is ideal for students who are taking the Olympiad for the first time or who have taken it before and want to establish a solid foundation to tackle these exceptionally challenging problems.

Many students will take both the Core and Advanced tracks for the most through preparation.

Book Classes Here

Advanced Olympiad techniques for Distinction and Medal Winning

The Advanced course is aimed at students who already have some experience with Olympiad-style problem-solving and are aiming for Distinctions or Medals in the JMO on 9th June.

The course will focus on questions 3-6 of the Olympiad, covering a mixture of topics but with a focus on preparing students for the most challenging JMO questions that demand creative mathematical arguments and elegant reasoning.

Many students will take both the Core and Advanced tracks for the most through preparation.

Book Classes Here

Strategic preparation for the Kangaroo

The Junior Kangaroo takes place on 9th June. It’s a 60-minute multiple-choice paper that tests mathematical problem-solving at a level beyond the JMC, rewarding both accuracy and speed.

We’ll work through problems at the level of the Kangaroo across the full range of topics that come up, targeting the problems that will help students achieve Bronze, Silver and Gold certificates.

This course is ideal for students who qualified for the Junior Kangaroo through the JMC and want focused, intensive preparation during half-term, but interested students are welcome whether or not they are taking the competition.

Book Classes Here

Final revision for grades 7-9

With IGCSE exams just weeks away, this is a focused three-day revision course covering mixed Higher tier topics designed to build confidence on the grade 7-9 questions that matter the most.

This course runs Tuesday to Thursday only (three sessions) and is most suitable for students sitting the Edexcel IGCSE Mathematics Higher paper, though students studying for other GCSE specifications will still find most of the content relevant.

Book Classes Here
Book Classes Here

About Your Teacher

Read More About Kevin Here

Expert Teaching from Dr. Kevin Olding

After obtaining First Class undergraduate and Masters degrees in Mathematics from Magdalen College, Oxford, Kevin taught at Westminster School and Dulwich College. He later completed his PhD in Mathematics at the University of Bath while founding Mathsaurus.

Kevin’s students have achieved places at leading UK schools and universities, with many earning Olympiad medals. Over 50,000 students have taken Kevin’s courses, with a combined social media following of over 65,000 across YouTube and TikTok.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I can’t attend every session live?

All of the May half-term courses will be recorded, with recordings and lesson notes available after each session. So if you can’t make any of the classes live you will be able to catch up with the recordings.

What’s the difference between Junior Olympiad Core and Advanced?

The Core track builds the fundamentals of Olympiad problem-solving, working through questions that increase in difficulty. It’s ideal if this is your first Olympiad preparation. The Advanced track is for students already confident with Olympiad problems who want to push for a medal, with every problem at the hardest level. Many students will take both the Core and Advanced tracks for the most through preparation. Not sure which to choose? Email hello@mathsaurus.com for guidance.

Do I need to have qualified for the Kangaroo or Olympiad?

These courses are designed for students who qualified through the JMC, but any student who enjoys challenging mathematics at this level is welcome to join. Many students who have not qualified automatically also enter the Kangaroo and Olympiad round via discretionary entries.

Do I need to have taken previous Mathsaurus courses?

No. Each course is self-contained. If you’d like to catch up on earlier material first, recorded versions of previous courses are available from the live classes booking page.

How to Book

All bookings can be made via the button here, or see more info at the page linked here. If you’re unsure which course is right, email hello@mathsaurus.com for guidance.

Book Classes Here

Easter 2026 Mathematics Courses: Your Complete Guide

Easter 2026 Live Maths Courses: Your Complete Guide

I’m really looking forward to welcoming students this Easter — whether you’ve taken courses with me before or this is your first time. We’ve got live courses running over two weeks for ages 11–18, all taught by me (Kevin), with recordings and lesson notes provided after every session.

Building the essential foundations

If your child is in Year 7 or 8 and will be taking the Junior Maths Challenge in April, this course covers the fundamental topics that form the backbone of success.

These aren’t the very hardest problems in the JMC, but they’re the ones that determine whether students achieve Bronze, Silver, or Gold. Many students miss out on higher certificates simply because they haven’t fully mastered these core areas. This course ensures those foundations are solid and will also allow students to confidently move on to the Advanced courses later in the year.

Even if your child is still in Year 6 or younger, they’re very welcome if they’re working at this level. The Junior Challenge is an excellent target for strong primary students.

Book Classes Here

Building geometric reasoning skills

If you have taken the Core Topics or Advanced 1 course, this is the natural next step. Geometry, shape and space problems consistently appear in the hardest JMC questions, and many students find this area particularly challenging.

We’ll explore angle problems, area and perimeter challenges, coordinate geometry, and 3D visualisation problems. These topics require a different kind of mathematical thinking – more visual, more spatial, and often requiring elegant insights rather than computational power.

This course perfectly complements the arithmetic and algebra focus of Advanced 1. Together, they cover the complete range of advanced techniques needed for JMC Gold certificates and qualification for follow-on rounds.

Even if you didn’t take the previous courses, this is accessible to strong Year 7-8 students who are comfortable with basic geometry and want to develop more sophisticated spatial reasoning skills.

Book Classes Here

Logic, counting, and creative problem-solving

This course tackles the questions that require genuine mathematical creativity – the logic puzzles, counting problems, and strategic thinking challenges that appear in the hardest sections of the JMC.

We’ll develop systematic approaches to complex logic problems, master the counting techniques that unlock combinatorics questions, and build the problem-solving strategies needed for questions 16-25. These are the skills that transform good mathematicians into exceptional ones.

If your child wants to develop the creative reasoning and strategic thinking that separates Gold certificate achievers from the rest – and qualify for Junior Kangaroo and Olympiad rounds – this course will challenge and inspire them.

Even if you didn’t take February’s courses, this is accessible to strong Year 7-8 students who are comfortable with basic geometry and want to develop more sophisticated spatial reasoning skills.

Book Classes Here

Your path to Olympiad qualification

This course is for students who are already well prepared for the JMC and want to push to the very top. Every problem is at the level of questions 21–25 — the ones that determine Olympiad qualification — drawn from past challenges from around the world.

If you’re consistently achieving Gold and want to develop the elite problem-solving skills and creative mathematical thinking that the Junior Olympiad demands, this is the course for you.

Book Classes Here

Mastering the hardest topics for grades 7-9

If you’re sitting the Edexcel IGCSE Mathematics Higher paper this summer and aiming for grades 7–9, this course targets the topics that carry the most marks in the toughest questions.

Over ten sessions we’ll work through original problems — written specifically for this course — covering indices and surds, coordinate geometry, probability, completing the square and simultaneous equations, quadratics in context, vectors, functions, scale factors in 2D and 3D, and arithmetic sequences. These are the topics that consistently appear in the grade 7–9 questions across recent papers.

Every lesson is problem-based. You’ll be working through carefully chosen questions that build in difficulty, with live guidance from Kevin. See more info about the course at the page here.

The course is designed for students who have covered most of the IGCSE syllabus already and want to sharpen their skills on the hardest material. Studying for a different GCSE specification? Most of the content will still be relevant, though some questions may be specific to the IGCSE.

Book Classes Here

Preparing for Silver, Gold and beyond

A six-lesson course covering challenging problems across five key areas: number, counting, algebra, geometry, and mixed problem solving. We’ll focus mainly on the questions you’d need to answer well to achieve a Silver or Gold certificate and to qualify for the Senior Kangaroo and BMO follow-on rounds.

This is also a great next step if you’ve been preparing for the Intermediate Maths Challenge and are ready to take on harder problems at the Senior level.

Sessions run on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (31st March – 2nd April and 7th – 9th April), 45 minutes each.

Book Classes Here

About Your Teacher

Read More About Kevin Here

Expert Teaching from Dr. Kevin Olding

After obtaining First Class undergraduate and Masters degrees in Mathematics from Magdalen College, Oxford, Kevin taught at Westminster School and Dulwich College. He later completed his PhD in Mathematics at the University of Bath while founding Mathsaurus.

Kevin’s students have achieved places at leading UK schools and universities, with many earning Olympiad medals. Over 50,000 students have taken Kevin’s courses, with a combined social media following of over 65,000 across YouTube and TikTok.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I can’t attend every session live?

ll sessions are recorded and available for at least one month, along with full lesson notes. You can catch up at your own pace.

Can I book individual lessons from a course?

No — each courses must be booked as a complete package. This allows us to build concepts properly across the week(s).

I’m doing a different GCSE spec, not Edexcel IGCSE. Is the revision course still useful?

Most of the content applies across all GCSE and IGCSE specifications. The main difference is that one lesson covers differentiation, which is specific to the IGCSE. Most of the rest of the course — indices, surds, coordinate geometry, probability, vectors, sequences — is common to other specs.

Do I need to have taken previous courses first?

No. Each course is designed to be self-contained, and students can take them in any order. If you’d like to catch up on earlier material first, recorded versions of previous courses are available from the live classes booking page.

How to Book

All bookings can be made via the button here, or see more info at the page linked here. If you’re unsure which course is right, email hello@mathsaurus.com for guidance.

Book Classes Here

2026 Maths Challenge Questions

2026 Maths Challenge Questions

The current year often appears in maths challenge questions, so below you can download a free worksheet with my original questions involving the number 2026, along with free video solutions!

Download the worksheet

    You will also be added to the Mathsaurus mailing list. We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe easily at anytime.

    Some of the questions are very challenging but I have tried to avoid too much theory or algebra in these questions, so they could mostly all be suitable for students preparing for the Junior, Intermediate or Senior competitions. Or for more tailored preparation…

    Mathsaurus also has FREE courses for all of the major maths challenges for ages 7-18: Choose your age group from the main menu or sign up here to get started.

    Watch the video solutions here:

    If you enjoyed these questions, you might also like to try the ones from 2023, 2024 and 2025:

    February Half-Term 2026 Mathematics Courses: Your Complete Guide

    February Half-Term Mathematics Courses 2026: Your Complete Guide

    Our February half-term courses, running from 16-20 February 2026, offer a unique opportunity for intensive mathematical development. Your child can make significant progress during this focused period, whether they’re preparing for April’s Junior Maths Challenge, the Intermediate Kangaroo and Olympiad, or just developing advanced problem-solving skills, we’ve designed four courses to help them excel.

    Book Classes Here

    The holiday format allows for five consecutive days of focused, 45-minute sessions. Students can build momentum, develop confidence, and see genuine progress without the pressure of fitting sessions around school commitments. It’s intensive mathematical development when minds are fresh and focused.

    Course Overview

    All courses run daily from Monday 16th – Friday 20th February 2026, with 45-minute sessions each day. Every session will be recorded and available for at least one month after completion. This means you can catch up on anything missed, or review material as many times as needed.

    Junior Maths Challenge Advanced 1: Arithmetic, Number and Algebra | 10:00 AM | Ages 11-13

    For students targeting Gold and beyond

    This is where we move beyond the fundamentals into the territory of the hardest JMC questions – for students aiming for Gold certificates and hoping to qualify for the follow-on Junior Kangaroo and Junior Olympiad rounds.

    We’ll explore divisibility rules, number patterns, algebraic thinking, and the kind of clever arithmetic that appears in questions 16-25 of the JMC. These are the problems that separate good performances from exceptional ones.

    If your child wants to push for Gold in the Junior Maths Challenge or qualification for the follow-on rounds, this course will challenge and develop them.

    Book Classes Here

    Junior Maths Challenge Advanced 3: Logic, Problem Solving and Counting | 11:00 AM | Ages 11-13

    For students targeting Gold and beyond

    This course tackles the questions that require genuine mathematical creativity – the logic puzzles, counting problems, and strategic thinking challenges that appear in the hardest sections of the JMC.

    We’ll develop systematic approaches to complex logic problems, master the counting techniques that unlock combinatorics questions, and build the problem-solving strategies needed for questions 16-25. These are the skills that transform good mathematicians into exceptional ones.

    If your child wants to develop the creative reasoning and strategic thinking that separates Gold certificate achievers from the rest – and qualify for Junior Kangaroo and Olympiad rounds – this course will challenge and inspire them.

    Even if you didn’t take October or December’s courses, this is accessible to strong Year 7-8 students who are comfortable with basic geometry and want to develop more sophisticated spatial reasoning skills.

    Book Classes Here

    Intermediate : Cayley Olympiad | 1:00 PM | Ages 13-14 (Year 9 and below)

    For students preparing for their first Intermediate Olympiad

    The Cayley Olympiad requires a completely different skillset from the multiple-choice Intermediate Maths Challenge – full mathematical proofs, clear explanations of reasoning, and rigorous mathematical arguments that earn marks for method as well as answers.

    We’ll work through Olympiad-style problems that develop proof-writing skills, strategic problem-solving techniques, and the mathematical communication needed to score well. These sessions focus on the thinking processes that separate Merit performances from Distinction level.

    If your child has qualified for the Cayley (or any Intermediate Olympiad) for the first time, or achieved Merit previously and wants to push for Distinction and even the medals, this course will develop the skills they need.

    P.S. Students are welcome in these classes whether or not they are taking the Olympiad if they want to experience these challenging problems. Many also come to more than one of the Kangaroo and Olympiad courses for maximum preparation.

    Book Classes Here

    Intermediate : Hamilton and Maclaurin Olympiad | 2:00 PM | Ages 14-16 (Years 10 + 11)

    For experienced Olympiad participants targeting top performance

    The Hamilton and Maclaurin Olympiads demand sophisticated mathematical reasoning and polished proof-writing skills. This course focuses on the advanced problem-solving techniques needed for Distinction-level performance and medal contention.

    We’ll work through official UKMT past paper questions, analysing the mathematical thinking behind high-scoring solutions and developing the rigorous proof-writing that earns full marks. These sessions prepare you for the step up in difficulty from Cayley to the senior Olympiad rounds.

    If your child is taking the Hamilton or Maclaurin Olympiads and wants to target Distinction or medal level in Hamilton or Maclaurin, this intensive course will sharpen their skills.

    P.S. Students are welcome in these classes whether or not they are taking the Olympiad if they want to experience these challenging problems. Many also come to more than one of the Kangaroo and Olympiad courses for maximum preparation.

    Who Teaches These Courses?

    All courses will be taught personally by Dr Kevin Olding. With a first-class MMath from Magdalen College, Oxford, and a PhD in Probability and Mathematical Finance, Kevin brings deep mathematical expertise to every session. He taught at some of the UK’s most prestigious schools, including Westminster School and Dulwich College.

    For four years, Kevin wrote the 11+ entrance mathematics papers for one of London’s leading independent schools, giving him unique insight into what selective schools are actually looking for. Over nearly two decades of teaching, he has worked with thousands of students at every level, from those taking their first maths challenge to those competing in international Olympiads.

    His approach combines mathematical rigour with a genuine understanding of how to make complex ideas accessible and enjoyable for students of all abilities.

    Building on December’s Success

    If you attended our December courses, recordings of those sessions are also being made available – some are there already and the others should be available to purchase shortly from course pages. These February courses are designed to build naturally on that foundation, taking students to the next level of mathematical sophistication.

    For those who missed December, don’t worry – each February course is designed to be accessible based on the level indicated, and Kevin’s teaching style ensures that all necessary background is covered as we progress.

    Key Information

    Recordings: All sessions are recorded and available for at least one month. If you can’t attend live, or if your child wants to review material, you’ll have full access to everything.

    Age Groups: The age ranges are guidelines. Younger students who are working ahead are always welcome in higher-level courses. However, older students should stick to their age-appropriate level or higher.

    Booking: You must book the complete course – individual sessions aren’t available separately. This ensures continuity and allows us to build concepts properly across the week.

    Holiday Schedule: Running five consecuctive days from 16-20 February is perfect for students who want to continue 2026 with enhanced mathematical confidence.

    How to Book

    All bookings can be made via the button here, or see more info at the page linked here:

    Book Classes Here

    Questions?

    If you’re unsure which course is right for your child, feel free to email hello@mathsaurus.com for guidance based on their current level and goals. You can also sign up for a webinar with Kevin here – you can join an upcoming live session or watch a replay.

    The half-term holidays represent a unique opportunity for mathematical advancement. These five days of focused learning can provide the boost your child needs for upcoming challenges. Whether they’re preparing for April’s Junior Maths Challenge, the Intermediate Kangaroo and Olympiad, or just developing advanced problem-solving skills, we’ve designed four courses to help them excel.

    December Holiday Mathematics Courses: Your Complete Guide

    December Holiday Mathematics Courses 2025: Your Complete Guide

    Our Christmas holiday courses, running from 29 December 2025 – 2 January 2026, offer a unique opportunity for intensive mathematical development. While others take a complete break from learning, your child can make significant progress during this focused period. Whether they’re building on October’s foundations, preparing for January’s Intermediate Maths Challenge or 11+ exams or April’s Junior Maths Challenge, or just developing advanced problem-solving skills, we’ve designed four courses to help them excel.

    Book Classes Here

    The holiday format allows for five consecutive days of focused, 45-minute sessions. Students can build momentum, develop confidence, and see genuine progress without the pressure of fitting sessions around school commitments. It’s intensive mathematical development when minds are fresh and focused.

    Course Overview

    All courses run daily from Sunday 29 December 2025 to Thursday 2 January 2026, with 45-minute sessions each day. Every session will be recorded and available for at least one month after completion. This means you can catch up on anything missed, or review material as many times as needed.

    Primary Maths Challenge Bonus Round and Advanced 11+ | 10:00 AM | Ages 9-11

    Perfect for qualified students and 11+ preparation

    If your child qualified for February’s Primary Maths Challenge Bonus Round based on their November performance, this course provides exactly the preparation they need for this nationally competitive follow-on round.

    We’ll tackle the more sophisticated problem-solving techniques required for the Bonus Round – questions that demand deeper mathematical thinking and more systematic approaches than the main challenge. These problems require genuine mathematical reasoning, not just pattern recognition.

    For students preparing for 11+ exams in January, this course is invaluable. The Bonus Round level of mathematical thinking aligns perfectly with what the most selective schools test. The multi-step problem-solving, logical reasoning, and numerical sophistication directly prepare students for those crucial entrance papers.

    All questions will be Kevin’s original creations, based on analysis of previous Bonus Round papers and 11+ papers from top schools. It’s about developing the mathematical maturity to handle unfamiliar challenges with confidence. Students are very welcome whether or not they are actually taking the Bonus Round or 11+ – it will be great maths and problem-solving practice either way!

    Book Classes Here

    Junior Maths Challenge Advanced 2: Geometry, Shape and Space | 11:00 AM | Ages 11-13

    Building geometric reasoning skills

    If your child took our October Junior Core Topics or Advanced 1 course, this is the natural next step. Geometry, shape and space problems consistently appear in the hardest JMC questions, and many students find this area particularly challenging.

    We’ll explore angle problems, area and perimeter challenges, coordinate geometry, and 3D visualisation problems. These topics require a different kind of mathematical thinking – more visual, more spatial, and often requiring elegant insights rather than computational power.

    This course perfectly complements the arithmetic and algebra focus of Advanced 1. Together, they cover the complete range of advanced techniques needed for JMC Gold certificates and qualification for follow-on rounds.

    Even if you didn’t take October’s courses, this is accessible to strong Year 7-8 students who are comfortable with basic geometry and want to develop more sophisticated spatial reasoning skills.

    Book Classes Here

    Intermediate Maths Challenge Advanced 2: Geometry, Shape and Space | 1:00 PM | Ages 13-16

    Essential geometric techniques for IMC success

    The January Intermediate Maths Challenge is just weeks away, and geometric problems consistently appear in the hardest questions. This course develops the sophisticated techniques needed for questions 20-25.

    We’ll cover coordinate geometry at an advanced level, trigonometric problem-solving, properties of circles, and geometric proof techniques. These problems require both computational skill and geometric insight – the ability to see patterns in shapes and exploit them cleverly.

    If you took our October IMC Core Topics or Advanced 1 course, this provides the geometric complement to that algebraic and numerical foundation. Together, they create comprehensive preparation for the full range of IMC challenges.

    This course is essential for students targeting Gold certificates and hoping to qualify for the Grey/Pink Kangaroo and Olympiad rounds. The geometric reasoning developed here will serve them well in those follow-on competitions too.

    Book Classes Here

    Intermediate Maths Challenge Elite | 2:00 PM | Ages 13-16

    For students targeting the very highest performance

    This is our most challenging IMC preparation course, designed for students who want to push for the highest scores, Olympiad qualification, or who simply love tackling the hardest mathematical problems.

    We’ll explore competition mathematics at its most sophisticated: elegant problem-solving techniques, advanced number theory, geometric insights, and the kind of mathematical thinking that separates good performances from exceptional ones.

    The problems in this course go beyond typical IMC preparation. They develop mathematical maturity, pattern recognition, and the confidence to approach completely unfamiliar challenges. Students often find that after taking this course, even the hardest IMC questions feel more manageable.

    This course is perfect for students who achieved Gold in previous challenges and want to push their boundaries, or for those who enjoyed the October Advanced courses and are ready for the next level of challenge.

    Book Classes Here

    Who Teaches These Courses?

    All courses will be taught personally by Dr Kevin Olding. With a first-class MMath from Magdalen College, Oxford, and a PhD in Probability and Mathematical Finance, Kevin brings deep mathematical expertise to every session. He taught at some of the UK’s most prestigious schools, including Westminster School and Dulwich College.

    For four years, Kevin wrote the 11+ entrance mathematics papers for one of London’s leading independent schools, giving him unique insight into what selective schools are actually looking for. Over nearly two decades of teaching, he has worked with thousands of students at every level, from those taking their first maths challenge to those competing in international Olympiads.

    His approach combines mathematical rigour with a genuine understanding of how to make complex ideas accessible and enjoyable for students of all abilities.

    Building on October’s Success

    If you attended our October courses, recordings of those sessions are also being made available – some are there already and the others should be available to purchase by the start of the Christmas holidays at the latest from course pages. These December courses are designed to build naturally on that foundation, taking students to the next level of mathematical sophistication.

    For those who missed October, don’t worry – each December course is designed to be accessible based on the level indicated, and Kevin’s teaching style ensures that all necessary background is covered as we progress.

    Key Information

    Recordings: All sessions are recorded and available for at least one month. If you can’t attend live, or if your child wants to review material, you’ll have full access to everything.

    Age Groups: The age ranges are guidelines. Younger students who are working ahead are always welcome in higher-level courses. However, older students should stick to their age-appropriate level or higher.

    Booking: You must book the complete course – individual sessions aren’t available separately. This ensures continuity and allows us to build concepts properly across the week.

    Holiday Schedule: Running from 29 December through 2 January means we work through the New Year, including on New Year’s Day – perfect for students who want to start 2026 with enhanced mathematical confidence.

    How to Book

    All bookings can be made via the button here, or see more info at the page linked here:

    Book Classes Here

    Questions?

    If you’re unsure which course is right for your child, feel free to email hello@mathsaurus.com for guidance based on their current level and goals. You can also sign up for a webinar with Kevin here – you can join an upcoming live session or watch a replay.

    The Christmas holidays represent a unique opportunity for mathematical advancement. While maintaining the festive spirit, these five days of focused learning can provide the boost your child needs for upcoming challenges. Whether they’re preparing for February’s Bonus Round, January’s Intermediate Challenge, April’s Junior Challenge or building foundations for future success, these courses will help them progress with confidence while developing a deep appreciation for mathematical thinking.

    UKMT Senior Maths Challenge 2025 Boundaries Announced!

    Breaking Down the Numbers: UKMT Senior Maths Challenge 2025 Boundaries Revealed!

    The certificate boundaries for the Senior Maths Challenge (SMC) 2025 have officially been released! The boundaries were published on 21st October, 12 days after the SMC took place this year.

    This year saw a record number of students taking part in the SMC, with more than 100,000 entrants nationally, specifically 103,814 students took the challenge. If you were one of the record number of participants, well done! The main point of the challenges is to develop your problem-solving skills and enjoy some interesting mathematics.

    Here is a breakdown of the scores needed for Bronze, Silver, and Gold certificates, as well as qualification for the highly coveted follow-on rounds.

    If you’re preparing for next year’s SMC, or for the Kangaroo or Olympiad rounds ,take a look at the pages here:

    SMC Resources
    Kangaroo Resources
    BMO Resources

    Understanding the Scoring System

    Before diving into the boundaries, it is crucial to remember how the SMC is scored, as this differs significantly from A-levels or GCSEs.

    The SMC paper consists of 25 multiple-choice questions, and you have 90 minutes to solve them. The scoring works as follows:

    • You start with 25 marks for free.

    • You get four marks for each correct answer.

    • You lose one mark if you guess an answer and get it wrong.

    • You are not penalised if you leave a question blank, and you will get zero marks for it.

    The 2025 Certificate Boundaries

    The 2025 boundaries were noticeably lower than the previous year’s scores. In fact, all the boundaries were lower than the 2024 marks, indicating that the 2025 paper was likely slightly harder compared to the previous year.

    Certificate/Qualification2025 Boundary (Marks)Change from 2024Equivalent Correct Answers (Approx.)
    Bronze46Down from 49 (2024)6 correct answers
    Silver57Down from 66 (2024)8 correct answers
    Gold72Down from 83 (2024)12 correct answers
    Senior Kangaroo72Down from 83 (2024)12 correct answers
    Olympiad (BMO)104Down from 110 (2024)20 correct answers

    Bronze Certificate

    The Bronze certificate boundary for 2025 was set at 46 marks. This is down a little bit from the 49 marks required in 2024.

    To reach the 46-mark threshold, you would only have needed six correct answers (assuming no incorrect answers resulting in lost marks). Even with a few wrong answers, this level is quite achievable. About two-thirds of students taking the SMC are awarded a Bronze certificate.

    The first two questions on the SMC are usually just arithmetic and meant as a bit of a warm-up, but they can be full of tricks and shortcuts. For example, there are always questions about the current year in the paper, so students who have prepared may be able to answer quickly.

    Silver Certificate

    Achieving Silver requires a step up, though it is still very achievable for most students. The boundary for Silver in 2025 was 57 marks. This marks a significant drop from the 66 marks required in 2024.

    To hit this mark, you would need around eight correct answers (assuming you didn’t get any wrong answers). Only about one-third of entrants achieve Silver or better. You would probably need to focus on most of questions 1 to 15, as usually there are a few questions along the way that students skip or get wrong.

    Gold Certificate and Kangaroo Qualification

    The Gold certificate is the best certificate you can get in the Senior Maths Challenge, and it is awarded to just one in nine students taking the competition. For 2025, a Gold certificate required 72 marks. This is a substantial decrease from the 83 marks required in 2024.

    A score of 72 marks corresponds to getting just under 12 questions correct. If you achieved 72 marks, you would have also automatically qualified for the Senior Kangaroo follow-on round this year. In recent years, anyone who got a Gold certificate automatically qualified for the Kangaroo. The Senior Kangaroo is one of two follow-on rounds that take place a couple of months later, and roughly 8,000 students qualify for it each year.

    The questions in the 16 to 20 range are where you are most likely to earn that Gold certificate and get over the boundary.

    Take My Free Kangaroo Course Here

    British Mathematical Olympiad (BMO) Qualification

    The most challenging boundary is that required to qualify for the British Mathematical Olympiad Round 1 (BMO1). This is designed to separate excellent students from exceptional ones.

    For the 2025 paper, the Olympiad boundary was 104 marks. This is lower than the 110 required in 2024. To achieve this, you would have needed approximately 20 correct answers (assuming no wrong answers). Qualifying for the BMO means placing within roughly the top 1,000 students nationally. This level definitely requires tackling some of those extremely difficult questions, typically questions 21 to 25.

    See BMO info and resources here

    Preparation for Next Time

    The fact that the boundaries dropped suggests that the paper provided a significant challenge for entrants. Participating in the SMC helps build confidence for A-level maths, preparation for university entrance papers, and generally helps you become a sharper thinker.

    If you are aiming to improve your results for the next competition, preparation focusing on past papers and core curriculum topics—like number theory and geometry—is highly recommended. The problems are not so much about harder calculations but more about problem-solving and mathematical thinking.

    See all our SMC resources (including a free course) here

    October Half-Term Mathematics Courses: Your Complete Guide

    October Half-Term Mathematics Courses: Your Complete Guide

    The October half-term (27-31 October 2025) presents a perfect opportunity for mathematical development. Whether your child is preparing for the Primary Maths Challenge in November, building foundations for the Junior or Intermediate Challenges in the new year, or simply looking to strengthen their problem-solving skills, we’ve designed five intensive courses to help them progress.

    Strategic Timing for Competition Preparation

    This timing is particularly strategic in the mathematics competition calendar. For Primary students, it’s the final preparation window before November’s challenge. For Intermediate students (Years 9-11), it’s the ideal moment to build strong foundations well before the January competition, avoiding the last-minute rush that many families experience. For Junior students (Years 7-8), starting preparation now for April’s challenge means developing deep understanding rather than cramming techniques.

    Book Classes Here

    The half-term format allows for five consecutive days of focused, 45-minute sessions to allow students to build momentum, to develop confidence, and to see genuine progress without the pressure of fitting sessions around school commitments.

    Course Overview

    All courses run daily from Monday 27 October to Friday 31 October 2025, with 45-minute sessions each day. Every session will be recorded and available for at least one month after completion. This means you can catch up on anything missed, or review material as many times as needed.

    Primary Maths Challenge | 10:00 AM | Ages 9-11

    Perfect timing for November’s competition and excellent for 11+ preparation

    This course focuses on the core topics that appear year after year in the Primary Maths Challenge. We’ll work through problem-solving strategies for arithmetic, logic puzzles, geometry, and numerical reasoning. The format mirrors the actual challenge, helping students build both skills and confidence.

    All the questions will be Kevin’s original creations, designed based on questions from recent years and will help students to develop the mathematical thinking to be able to tackle unfamiliar problems. It’s not about memorising techniques; it’s about building genuine problem-solving ability.

    The overlap with 11+ preparation is substantial. The problem-solving approach, the mathematical thinking, and many of the specific topics align perfectly with what selective schools test. Whether you’re preparing for November’s challenge, January 11+ exams, or both, this course will strengthen your child’s mathematical foundations.

    Book Now

    Junior Maths Challenge Core Topics | 11:00 AM | Ages 11-13

    Building the essential foundations

    If your child is in Year 7 or 8 and will be taking the Junior Maths Challenge in April/May, this course covers the fundamental topics that form the backbone of success.

    These aren’t the very hardest problems in the JMC, but they’re the ones that determine whether students achieve Bronze, Silver, or Gold. Many students miss out on higher certificates simply because they haven’t fully mastered these core areas. This course ensures those foundations are solid and will also allow students to confidently move on to the Advanced courses later in the year.

    Even if your child is still in Year 6 or younger, they’re very welcome if they’re working at this level. The Junior Challenge is an excellent target for strong primary students.

    Book Now

    Junior Maths Challenge Advanced 1: Arithmetic, Number and Algebra | 1:00 PM | Ages 11-13

    For students targeting Gold and beyond

    This is where we move beyond the fundamentals into the territory of the hardest JMC questions – for students aiming for Gold certificates and hoping to qualify for the follow-on Junior Kangaroo and Junior Olympiad rounds.

    We’ll explore divisibility rules, number patterns, algebraic thinking, and the kind of clever arithmetic that appears in questions 20-25 of the JMC. These are the problems that separate good performances from exceptional ones.

    If your child achieved Bronze, Silver or even Gold in a previous JMC and wants to push for Gold or qualification for the follow-on rounds, this course will challenge and develop them.

    Book Now

    Intermediate Maths Challenge Core Topics | 2:00 PM | Ages 13-16

    Essential skills for IMC success

    The Intermediate Challenge in January is just around the corner, and this course covers all the core material that students need to be able to reach the Bronze and Silver certificate boundaries and beyond. There will be lessons on the core topics in number, geometry and problem-solving, and plenty of practice on original challenge-style problems.

    We’ll work through problems methodically, building both speed and accuracy. By the end of the week, students should feel significantly more confident about these fundamentals, ready to tackle the IMC and to move on to the Advanced courses. Many students also take the Advanced course at the same time – they are designed to complement each other well.

    Book Now

    Intermediate Maths Challenge Advanced 1: Arithmetic, Number and Algebra | 4:00 PM | Ages 13-16

    Targeting the hardest IMC questions

    This course tackles the more sophisticated topics needed for the IMC, with a particular focus on problems in number theory, arithmetic and algebra, as well as some mixed-topic problem-solving questions. [A second Advanced course focused on geometry and problem-solving questions will run in the Christmas holidays (separate booking required).]

    These are the skills needed for questions 16-25 of the IMC and will help students reach a Gold certificate and qualification for the Kangaroo and Olympiad rounds.

    Book Now

    Who Teaches These Courses?

    All five courses will be taught personally by Dr Kevin Olding. With a first-class MMath from Magdalen College, Oxford, and a PhD in Probability and Mathematical Finance, Kevin brings deep mathematical expertise to every session. He taught at some of the UK’s most prestigious schools, including Westminster School and Dulwich College.

    Over nearly two decades of teaching, Kevin has worked with thousands of students at every level, from those taking their first maths challenge to those competing in the Olympiads. His approach combines mathematical rigour with a genuine understanding of how to make complex ideas accessible and enjoyable for students of all abilities.

    Key Information

    Recordings: All sessions are recorded and available for at least one month. If you can’t attend live, or if your child wants to review material, you’ll have full access to everything.

    Age Groups: The age ranges are guidelines. Younger students who are working ahead are always welcome in higher-level courses. However, older students should stick to their age-appropriate level or higher.

    Booking: You must book the complete course – individual sessions aren’t available separately. This ensures continuity and allows us to build concepts properly across the week.

    How to Book

    All bookings can be made via the buttons above or below or from our live classes page here: https://mathsaurus.com/live-maths-and-problem-solving-classes-for-ages-9-18/

    Book Classes Here

    We recommend creating an account during booking, as this makes accessing Zoom links much easier.

    Questions?

    If you’re unsure which course is right for your child, feel free to email hello@mathsaurus.com for guidance based on their current level and goals. You can also sign up for a webinar with Kevin here – you can join an upcoming live session or watch a replay of the last session.

    The October half-term is a valuable opportunity for mathematical development. Whether your child is preparing for an upcoming challenge or just wants to build solid foundations for the future, these courses will help them progress with confidence and also help students enjoy and develop a deep appreciation for mathematics.

    Mathsaurus Student Achieves Highest UK Score in Junior Mathematical Olympiad

    Mathsaurus Student Achieves Highest UK Score in Junior Mathematical Olympiad

    Yusuf Shah from Heckmondwike Grammar School has achieved an exceptional result by scoring higher than any other student in the UK in the Junior Mathematical Olympiad. Yusuf, who participated in our Mathsaurus Junior Olympiad Preparation Course in 2023, demonstrated the problem-solving techniques and strategic thinking approaches covered in the course and showed how impressive a student he is. He won a Gold medal that year and again in 2024, a very impressive achievement indeed!

    For this outstanding achievement, Yusuf received a gold medal and a congratulatory letter from the United Kingdom Mathematical Trust stating:

    “This is an exceptional achievement for both you and your school and we are pleased that your problem solving ability, hard work and dedication have been recognised in this way. We hope that your impressive personal performance will encourage you and your classmates to continue to participate in UKMT competitions, and we hope that this will help you all to become stronger young mathematicians.”

    Qualification for the International Championship of Mathematical and Logical Games in Paris

    In addition to his Junior Mathematical Olympiad success, Yusuf competed in May at The British Federation of Mathematical Games: Logic and Mathematical Games Final 2024 held at Coventry University. His performance was strong enough to secure both a place and funding to represent the UK in the International Championship of Mathematical and Logical Games in Paris.

    Support and Recognition

    This success story demonstrates the high level of mathematical talent being developed in UK schools and how UKMT competitions can serve as a pathway to international recognition for promising young mathematicians.

    Congratulations, Yusuf for an excellent result and best wishes for the future!

    If you’re preparing for the Junior Olympiad, take a look at Mathsaurus FREE preparation courses, as well links to past papers and grade boundaries as well as live taught classes.

    Get Me Ready!

    Read more about Yusuf’s success in his school’s article here. This story was shared with permission from Yusuf’s family – if you have used Mathsaurus resources and have a success story to share, we’d love to hear from you! You can fill in a testimonial form here or e-mail us at hello@mathsaurus.com.

    Junior Maths Challenge 2025 Grade Boundaries Released

    Junior Maths Challenge 2025 Grade Boundaries Released

    We’re excited to share that the UKMT has released the grade boundaries for the 2025 Junior Maths Challenge that took place on May 1st. These were released on Monday 12th May, so an impressively efficient turnaround from the UKMT as usual in recent years!

    2025 JMC Grade Boundaries

    The certificate boundaries for this year’s JMC are:

    • Bronze: 54
    • Silver: 73
    • Gold: 91
    • Kangaroo qualification: 100. (UK only)
    • Olympiad qualification: 125

    This year’s boundaries are notably high, with the Gold boundary being the highest since 2020 (when results were unusual due to COVID). Most significantly, the Kangaroo and Olympiad qualification thresholds are the highest they’ve ever been!

    Live Classes and Courses for the Follow-On Rounds

    For students looking to prepare for the Junior Kangaroo or Junior Olympiad (taking place on Tuesday, June 10th), we’re offering several specialised classes and intensive courses. Details of these can be found later in this post or from the pages here:

    Book Classes or See More Info Here

    What This Means for Students

    If you’ve met the boundaries you should be entered into the follow-on rounds automatically and for free by your school. But many more students still take the competitions anyway, so if you’ve just missed out on automatic qualification for the Junior Kangaroo or Junior Olympiad, remember that discretionary entries are still possible. Schools can enter students for these follow-on rounds even without automatic qualification for a small fee.

    Important Changes to Follow-On Rounds

    Junior Kangaroo’s New Certificate Structure

    The Junior Kangaroo has introduced an exciting new three-tier certificate system for 2025:

    • Gold Kangaroo Certificate: Top 10% of participants
    • Silver Kangaroo Certificate: Next 20% of participants
    • Bronze Kangaroo Certificate: Next 30% of participants

    This replaces the previous system where only the top 25% received Certificates of Merit. Now 60% of participants will receive recognition, providing more opportunities for students to be rewarded for their mathematical abilities!

    Junior Olympiad Format Change

    The Junior Mathematical Olympiad has completely removed its multiple-choice Section A for 2025. The competition now consists of only 6 Olympiad-style questions requiring full written solutions, with each question worth 10 marks. This shift emphasises deeper mathematical reasoning and proof-writing skills.

    Upcoming Classes to Help You Prepare

    Challenge and Enrichment Classes Starting Tomorrow

    For students preparing for the Junior Kangaroo or Olympiad, we have several classes available this week:

    Tuesday, May 13th:

    • 17:30 – Junior Challenge and Enrichment – Advanced (Ages 11-13) – Kangaroo focused
    • 18:30 – Intermediate Challenge and Enrichment – Regular (Ages 13-16)

    Thursday, May 15th:

    • 17:30 – Junior Olympiad (Ages 11-13)

    Saturday, May 17th:

    • 10:00 – Junior Challenge and Enrichment – Advanced (Ages 11-13) – Kangaroo focused
    • 11:00 – Junior Olympiad (Ages 11-13)

    Thursday, May 22nd:

    • 17:30 – Junior Olympiad (Ages 11-13)
    • 18:30 – Intermediate Challenge and Enrichment – Advanced (Ages 13-16)

    These classes can be booked individually or using our value 5 or 10 class packages.

    May Half Term Courses

    We’re also offering intensive courses during the May half term (Tuesday 27th to Friday 30th May):

    Junior Olympiad Preparation (Ages 11-13)

    • Regular Track: 10:00-10:45am (UK time) Suitable for students taking the Junior Olympiad for the first or second time
    • Advanced Track: 11:00-11:45am (UK time) Suitable for students with experience aiming for Distinction or a medal

    Junior Kangaroo Preparation (Ages 11-13)

    • 1:00-1:45pm (UK time) Suitable for both new and returning Kangaroo participants

    All half term courses include 4 lessons (45 minutes each) over four days.

    Note: Many students choose to take both the Regular and Advanced tracks of the Olympiad course for comprehensive preparation. Students are also welcome to combine the Olympiad courses with the Kangaroo course if they’re preparing for both competitions or simply want to maximize their mathematical development.

    Sign up now to secure your place and get expert guidance in preparing for these challenging competitions!

    Book Classes or See More Info Here

    Major Changes to UKMT Junior Kangaroo and Olympiad Competitions for 2025

    Major Changes to UKMT Junior Kangaroo and Olympiad Competitions for 2025

    The United Kingdom Mathematics Trust (UKMT) has announced significant changes to its Junior mathematical competitions for 2025. These changes will affect how students prepare for and participate in the Junior Mathematical Olympiad (JMO) and Junior Kangaroo competitions, both scheduled for June 10th, 2025.

    Junior Mathematical Olympiad: Major Format Revision

    The JMO has undergone a restructuring:

    Section A eliminated: The 10 short-answer questions have been removed entirely

    New format: Only 6 Olympiad-style questions – all requiring full written solutions, just like the previous section B of the paper. Each question is worth exactly 10 marks (60 marks total) with most of the marks given for the quality of the written solution.

    Duration unchanged: Still 2 hours to complete

    This shift emphasises mathematical reasoning and proof-writing skills over quick problem-solving, challenging the top 1,200 participants (approx) from the Junior Mathematical Challenge as well as many more students making discretionary entries.

    Junior Kangaroo: Enhanced Certificate Structure

    While the Junior Kangaroo format remains the same (60-minute, 25 multiple-choice questions), the recognition system has been completely revised:

    Gold Kangaroo Certificate: Top 10% of participants

    Silver Kangaroo Certificate: Next 20% of participants

    Bronze Kangaroo Certificate: Next 30% of participants

    This replaces the previous system, where only the top 25% received Merit certificates, significantly expanding the opportunities for students to earn certificates.

    How Will These Changes Impact Students?

    The elimination of the multiple-choice component from the Junior Olympiad represents a significant shift toward valuing mathematical communication and proof-writing. Meanwhile, the expanded certificate structure for the Junior Kangaroo will recognise and motivate more students to participate in mathematical challenges.

    At Mathsaurus, we’ve updated all our materials to reflect these important changes, helping students develop the specific skills needed for success in these prestigious competitions.

    Mathsaurus Preparation Options

    May Half Term Intensive Courses – Book Here

    Each year in the May half term you can join Dr Kevin Olding for focused preparation for the Junior Kangaroo and Olympiad:

    Junior Olympiad Preparation (Ages 11-13)

    Regular Track: For first-time Olympiad participants, focusing on the key topics and earlier questions – Book here

    Advanced Track: For experienced students aiming for Distinction or medals – Book here

    Many students will attend both tracks.

    Junior Kangaroo Preparation: Strategies for achieving Gold/Silver/Bronze certificates via mixed topic problem solving

    Book Live Classes Here

    Self-Paced Online Resources

    Mathsaurus has comprehensive materials to help you prepare. There is a free course for each competition with video hints and solutions to a range of past paper problems, as well as links to more past papers, solutions and certificate and medal boundaries. Choose Kangaroo or Olympiad to see these now:

    Junior Kangaroo
    Junior Olympiad