Go for Gold in Maths Challenges (ages 16-18)
Learn all the topics you'll need to get Bronze, Silver or Gold in the UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge and similar contests around the world.
After taking this course you'll have the best chance of earning a certificate and even qualifying for the follow on rounds. You'll also improve your problem solving skills and have fun along the way!
This course is the recommended starting point for anyone taking the SMC.
What is the Senior Maths Challenge?
The UKMT Senior Mathematical Challenge is a multiple choice maths competition, with 25 questions, each with 5 options labelled A, B, C, D and E.
Students who do well in the challenge are awarded Bronze, Silver and Gold certificates and the best performing students are invited to take the follow-on Kangaroo and Olympiad rounds.
This video gives an overview of all UKMT maths challenges and how the SMC fits in. You can also view a page here with past papers, certificate boundaries and more information.
FREE COURSE
Get Ready for the Senior Maths Challenge
In this free course you can practise problems from real past papers with video hints and solutions.
Small Group Zoom Classes to Prepare for the SMC
In addition to the self-paced courses above, you can also sign up for small group Zoom classes to prepare. For more information, including dates and prices, click the button below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who takes the UKMT Senior Maths Challenge?
The UKMT Senior Mathematical Challenge is usually taken by students in Years 12 and 13 in England and Wales, which corresponds to Years 13 and 14 in Northern Ireland or S5 and S6 in Scotland, but younger students can also take the challenge. Students in equivalent year groups around the world also take the Intermediate Maths Challenge. These year groups usually correspond to students aged between 16 and 18, but there is no lower limit on the age students can participate.
The UKMT Senior Maths Challenge is usually considered an ‘enrichment’ activity and schools often offer the competition to their more enthusiastic or high-performing students. A range of students can benefit from taking the challenge, and the earlier questions are always made to be more accessible so that it is not just the top students who will enjoy the Senior Maths Challenge!
When does the SMC take place?
The Senior Mathematical Challenge usually takes place at the end of September or the start of October. The exact date varies from year to year. I keep a list of upcoming maths challenge dates here or you can also see the date of the next SMC at the UKMT website here.
How is the SMC marked?
The UKMT Senior Maths Challenge is marked automatically. Paper entries are passed through a machine that scans the papers and checks students multiple-choice answers so it is very important that students follow the instructions on the answer paper carefully and only enter one answer for each question. Students often keep a note of their answers on rough paper and enter their answers on the answer sheet at the end as it can be hard to erase answers fully if they want to change their answers. Students taking the challenge online do not have this problem of course where the marking is fully automated and answers are chosen on the screen.
Where can I find past papers for the SMC?
The free Mathsaurus course ‘Get Ready for the Senior Maths Challenge’ contains many years of past Senior Maths Challenge questions, each with video hints and solutions to help you practise and prepare. Further past papers can be found at the page here or at the UKMT website here.
Can I enter the follow on rounds if I don’t meet the qualification threshold or missed the SMC?
I'm home-schooled or my school won't let me take the SMC - what can I do?S
You can only take the IMC at a registered UKMT centre - see the video here for more advice about what you can do in this situation.
Do you offer any live classes to prepare for the SMC?
Yes! As well as making the courses here I often teach small group lessons via Zoom to prepare for maths challenges at all levels, including the Senior Maths Challenge. See the Group Classes and Live Tuition sections of the website for more info. If you would prefer to work with me 1-1 you can see more information and book here.