First and second year Maths students at Palmer’s College came away with a whopping 31 awards during this year’s UK wide Maths Challenge Competition.

Stars Jack Pitt Jones and Charlie Dougal performed superbly and gained gold awards at the competition, organised by Leeds University.

Both Jack and Charlie, from Basildon said: “We are well pleased and surprised to win a gold award! It was challenging especially one, which was really hard! The Maths teachers were brilliant in gearing us up for the challenge.”

Ex-Woodlands student, first year Charlie is currently studying AS Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths. Second year student, Jack is also an ex-Woodlands student, currently studying Double Maths, Further Maths, Accounting and Computing. Both students plan to go onto university.

This was the best year for the College, winning a record number of 31 awards including 14 silver awards and 15 bronze awards.

Mark Vinall, Principal of Palmer’s College said: “This is a superb result for our Maths Department and our students, resulting in the best ever year for Palmer’s College. Never before have we achieved so many top awards. It’s an outstanding achievement.”

Maths teachers at the College were delighted with the students displaying excellent problem solving skills coupled with considerable knowledge of the mathematical ideas tested.

Palmer’s students competed with over 50,000 other candidates across the UK. The competition involved answering 25 multiple choice questions in 90 minutes.