A Year 8 pupil at Lawn Manor Academy has achieved the school’s highest ever score in one of the UK’s most difficult maths challenges, answering just one question incorrectly.
This is the second time that Patrick Gillen, 13, has entered the Junior Mathematical Challenge organised by the UK Mathematics Trust. Last year, he achieved the school’s top score of 99 out of 135 and secured a place in the elite Junior Mathematical Olympiad. This year, his score was an impressive 130 out of 135. Only around 1200 of the very highest performers in the UK are invited to take part in the Junior Olympiad.
Each year, the UK Mathematics Trust sets pupils from years 7 and 8 high-quality problems to encourage mathematical thinking. Pupils who take part sit an applied maths paper under exam conditions, and have to complete it using mental arithmetic as calculators are not allowed.
Laura Conroy, Head of Maths at Lawn Manor Academy, which is part of the Royal Wootton Bassett Academy Trust, said Patrick is a remarkable young mathematician.
“This challenge stretches our pupils to solve interesting problems using mathematical reasoning and the questions are designed to be challenging. However, Patrick was completely undaunted and rose to the challenge magnificently. We are extremely proud of him and everyone is rooting for him to do his best at the Olympiad.”
