This page contains information about the SMC 2021 – for the most up to date information about upcoming challenges see the page here.
Free online course: ‘Get Ready for the Senior Maths Challenge’
Try real SMC papers with video hints + solutions!

The Senior Maths Challenge in 2021 took place between 10th and 11th November 2021. The results are now available and grade boundaries can be found on this page!
Students usually take this paper in years 12 and 13 in England, S6 or below in Scotland and Years 14 or below in Northern Ireland, but the competition is open to entrants from younger year groups too. Many schools overseas also enter students, but entrants must be of an equivalent age and be students at official UKMT test centres – applications from private individuals or tutors is not allowed.
How to take Maths Challenges if you’re home schooled or working with a private tutor.
On other pages on this site, you can find a table of grade boundaries from past years. Certificates are awarded to 40% of entrants in the ratio 1:2:3, so about 7% receive Gold certificates, 13% Silver and 20% Bronze. Of those achieving a Gold Certificate, around 10,000 students go on to take the Junior Kangaroo follow on round and 2,000 take the Junior Mathematical Olympiad.
Further information and past papers for the UKMT Junior Mathematical Challenge can be found on the official website here.