MEI is delighted to announce that the RAF Charitable Trust (RAFCT) will continue its support for the MEI Further Education (FE) Maths Challenge for 2026/27.
RAFCT’s continued involvement will help MEI provide engaging mathematical experiences for post-16 students across England and Wales.
The FE Maths Challenge is a national competition supporting students who are working towards a Functional Skills maths qualification or a better GCSE Mathematics grade. Through collaborative activities including Kahoot! quizzes and Tarsia puzzles, students experience maths in a fun and supportive environment while developing their confidence, participation and teamwork.
Nearly 60,000 students from 124 colleges took part in the challenge last year, and this year is set to be even bigger. Students begin by participating within their own colleges before successful teams progress to Regional Finals, with top-performing teams coming together for the National Final.
The RAF Charitable Trust joined the FE Maths Challenge as a supporter for the first time in 2025/26. The charity uses the proceeds of the Royal International Air Tattoo to support young people to achieve their potential in STEM, air and space. As part of the support, the national winning teams will be offered the opportunity to visit the Royal International Air Tattoo.
The RAF Charitable Trust is delighted to be continuing our partnership with MEI following a fantastic first year. The programme has exceeded all expectations, reaching more than 58,000 young people and creating opportunities for students to engage with maths in a positive, practical and rewarding way.
I was fortunate enough to attend the National Final and see first-hand the confidence, teamwork and problem-solving skills that the challenge nurtures. Those experiences reinforce why partnerships like this matter so much, and we’re excited to help the programme reach even more young people in the year ahead.
Hannah Langford, Head of Charity Development at the RAF Charitable Trust
Looking ahead to the 2026/27 FE Maths Challenge
For many students, the FE Maths Challenge is an opportunity to experience maths in a completely different way. Instead of working independently towards a qualification, students tackle problems together, represent their college and share the experience with thousands of other learners taking part across the country.
That experience can make a real difference. Last year, 88% of participating students said the challenge had improved their confidence in maths, reflecting the positive impact that an engaging and collaborative approach can have.
With even more students expected to take part, MEI is looking forward to another exciting year of the FE Maths Challenge alongside RAFCT.