How the FE Maths Challenge is changing students’ experience of post-16 maths
When Kyle first signed up for the FE Maths Challenge, he wasn’t expecting it to change how he felt about maths.
Before taking part in the FE Maths Challenge, Kyle’s relationship with maths was much like that of many post-16 students. It was a subject he studied, but not one he felt particularly connected to.
“I didn’t really think much of maths” he said.
Like many students studying Functional Skills or GCSE Mathematics, maths was simply part of college life.
As Kyle progressed through the FE Maths Challenge, something began to change. Working alongside teammates to solve problems, share ideas and tackle new rounds of competition, he started to see maths differently.
The Challenge wasn’t about working through questions alone. Instead, Kyle found himself contributing to discussions, helping his team and building confidence with every stage.
By the time his team reached the first-ever National Final at Solihull College and University Centre, the student who had once “not really thought much of maths” was seeing the subject in a completely different way.
“Now I feel maths is a really big part of life,” he said. “Without maths, you have barriers you will face.“
That change in perspective didn’t happen overnight. It grew through the small moments that came with competing as part of a team, tackling unfamiliar challenges and discovering that he was capable of more than he had realised.
My confidence has changed, teamwork has got a whole lot better and I’ve honestly enjoyed it. It’s been fun.
Kyle – FE Maths Challenge participant
For Kyle, one of the biggest surprises was how much he enjoyed being part of something bigger than the classroom. What started as a maths competition became an opportunity to meet new people and build relationships with students he may never otherwise have known.
“I’ve made friends for life. I only knew one person before this.“
For Kyle, that became one of the most valuable parts of the experience. What began as a maths competition left him with greater confidence and friendships he expects to keep long after college.
His advice to students considering taking part next year reflects the confidence he gained from the experience. “Don’t put yourself down. You are your own worst enemy. Just go for it and commit. It will be worth it.“
Why the FE Maths Challenge works
The impact Kyle describes is something Ricardo Atlan, Department Manager of Maths at Birmingham Metropolitan College, sees regularly among his own students.
This year, Ricardo expanded participation across three campuses, using the Challenge as part of the college’s wider maths enrichment offer.
“We use it as part of extra-curricular activities to help students see the other side of maths, alongside other students just like them on a national basis” he explained.
He says students often arrive with assumptions about what the Challenge will involve, imagining a highly academic competition designed to test their knowledge.
“It’s when students realise it’s not something like University Challenge, which is what they first think. That motivates them hugely.“
Once students get started, something interesting happens.
“They get so involved that they forget what they are doing and realise how much they already know.“
For Ricardo, that moment of realisation is where the value lies. Students who may have lacked confidence in maths begin to see themselves differently. They contribute to discussions, solve problems together and receive recognition for their achievements.
They find it fun and ask to do more. It creates a real buzz around campus because they are getting recognition for their maths achievements.
Ricardo Atlan, Department Manager of Maths at Birmingham Metropolitan College
The benefits often continue well beyond the competition itself.
“We use the resources for other parts of the curriculum, so it works well. It gives you another way to engage students while still supporting what you teach in the classroom.“
More than a competition
Kyle’s experience was far from unique. In 2025-26, the FE Maths Challenge had its biggest year yet, with almost 60,000 students from 124 colleges taking part and teams progressing through college, regional and national rounds.
But numbers only tell part of the story.
The real impact can be seen in students like Kyle. Students who begin the year thinking maths isn’t for them, then discover confidence, friendships and a new perspective through taking part.
For teachers, it provides a maths enrichment opportunity that complements classroom learning while helping students develop skills that reach beyond the curriculum. For students, it offers a chance to experience maths differently, not as a subject to get through, but as something they can actively participate in and enjoy.
