Primary Mathematics Challenge
The UK's premier maths challenge for pupils aged 9-11 (Years 5-6), organized by The Mathematical Association. Open to schools worldwide.
Grade Levels
Grades 5-6 (Ages 9-11)
Format
Mixed Format · 25 questions
Scoring
25 questions: 20 multiple-choice plus 5 requiring written answers. Gold, Silver, Bronze certificates.
November
Main challenge (November, autumn term)
February
Bonus Round for top scorers (February)
Registration
Through schools (worldwide)
Prizes & Recognition
Gold, Silver, Bronze certificates. Bonus Round invitation for top scorers in February.
About This Competition
The Primary Mathematics Challenge (PMC) is the UK's leading mathematical competition for primary school pupils, organized by The Mathematical Association. Aimed at pupils aged 9-11 (Years 5 and 6 in England and Wales), it provides an engaging and accessible introduction to mathematical problem-solving beyond the classroom.
The challenge consists of 25 questions: 20 multiple-choice and 5 requiring written answers. Questions are carefully designed to be stimulating and enjoyable, encouraging creative mathematical thinking rather than rote calculation. Gold, Silver, and Bronze certificates are awarded to recognize achievement at different levels.
Top scorers from the main November challenge are invited to the Bonus Round in February, which features more demanding problems. While primarily aimed at UK schools, the PMC is open to schools worldwide and has become an international event. The Mathematical Association has been supporting mathematics education for over a century, and the PMC reflects its commitment to making mathematics engaging for young learners.
How to Prepare
Make Math Fun with Puzzles and Games
The Primary Mathematics Challenge uses engaging puzzles rather than textbook problems. Practice with logic puzzles, number games, and spatial reasoning activities.
Read the Problem Carefully — Tricky Wording Counts
Many PMC problems have intentionally tricky wording. Take time to understand exactly what is being asked before jumping to calculate.
Use the Mathematical Association's Resources
The Mathematical Association (UK) provides past PMC papers and the 'Primary Mathematics Challenge' book with solutions and teaching notes at m-a.org.uk.
Every Young Mathematician Starts Here
PMC is designed to inspire excitement about mathematics in primary school children. Celebrate the fun of problem-solving and don't worry about getting every answer right.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Primary Mathematics Challenge?
The Primary Mathematics Challenge (PMC) is a fun and accessible mathematical challenge for pupils aged 9-11 (Years 5 and 6 in England/Wales), organized by The Mathematical Association. It is the UK's premier primary-level maths competition and is open to schools worldwide.
What is the format?
The challenge consists of 25 questions: 20 are multiple-choice and 5 require written answers. The questions are designed to be stimulating and enjoyable, encouraging mathematical thinking rather than rote calculation.
Is it open to international schools?
Yes. While primarily aimed at UK schools, the Primary Mathematics Challenge is open to schools worldwide. International schools regularly participate, making it a truly global primary maths event.
What happens after the main challenge?
Top scorers from the November challenge are invited to participate in the Bonus Round, held in February. The Bonus Round features more challenging problems and provides additional recognition for the highest achievers.
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