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Further Education Maths Challenge

MEI’s Further Education (FE) Maths Challenge is a competition for post-16 students working towards gaining a Functional Skills maths qualification or improving their GCSE Mathematics grade.

MEI are pleased to announce that our sponsor for the Further Education Maths Challenge is AQA.

What is the FE Maths Challenge

Check out our video to find out more about the FE Maths Challenge

The FE Maths Challenge emerged from our work with theStoke-on-Trent Mathematics Excellence Partnership. In 2021, we turned this into a national project and worked with colleges across England and in collaboration with the Centres for Maths Excellence to extend the competition to other areas.

The FE Maths Challenge has since grown to involve ten regional centres, eighty-two colleges, and more than 32000 students, with teams from across England and Wales participating. The competition culminates in regional finals held at colleges, universities, and sports stadiums. The FE Maths Challenge goes from strength to strength, and we encourage you to get involved. 

A comment from our sponsor AQA:

We set and mark the papers for around half of all GCSEs and A-levels, but we’re more than an exam board. As an independent education charity we reinvest all of our income. From funding cutting-edge research, to supporting new insights that help raise the bar in assessment practice internationally, we’re always focused on fair and inclusive assessment and the positive impact it has on teaching, learning and society.

We’re proud to sponsor the MEI FE Maths Challenge and their aim to raise the quality of maths education for everyone. We believe that this competition enables learners to become more confident about their maths ability and boosts their self-belief in other areas of their life.  

How do I get involved?

Applications for the 2025-26 Maths Challenge will be open in the 2025 summer term. To take part, complete the Register of Interest form

Who are the Regional Centres for 2024-25?

  • West and South Midlands – Solihull College and University Centre
  • West & North Midlands – Stoke-on-Trent College
  • South East – Harlow College
  • Yorkshire & Humberside – The Sheffield College
  • West and Wales – Hereford College of Art
  • South (Brighton) – Chichester College Group
  • London – Southwark College/ NCG
  • North East – Northumberland College
  • North West – Oldham College
  • South West – Bridgwater and Taunton College

Who is the FE Maths Challenge for?

The competition is open to any student in 16-19 education (or in the case of an EHCP, aged up to 25) who has not yet achieved a grade 4 or above in GCSE Mathematics, who is enrolled at a college, school, sixth form, or training provider involved with the FE Maths Challenge. Students aged below 16 on 1st September 2024 and those on adult courses are not eligible for this competition. 

There are three entry categories:

  • The Funkies – for students whose highest GCSE grade is a grade 1, or studying FS entry
  • Ein2steins – for students whose highest GCSE grade is a grade 2, or studying FS Level 1
  • Go Forth – for students whose highest GCSE grade is a grade 3, or studying FS Level 2

Student feedback

  • 96% of students stated that “Overall the FE Maths Challenge” was “Good” or “Excellent”. 
  • Feedback showed that 80% of students feel that the FE Maths Challenge has improved their confidence in maths. 
  •  70% of students feel that the FE Maths Challenge has improved their confidence in taking their maths exams.

“Attending the FE Maths Challenge has been a great experience for me, especially as it is my first time participating in a Maths competition. I think this has helped me to understand my strengths and recognise my weakness so I can continue improving.”  

“Overall, its enjoyable and not too pressurised. Everyone’s laughing and having fun. I normally hate maths, but this makes it fun, and I feel more motivated as it’s a competition.” 

“I enjoyed seeing the other colleges compete in the final and seeing them work there best, I also enjoyed working with my friends together and working hard as a team.” 

“I enjoyed how the competition was fun but serious at the same time. How we all communicated with one another to get the answer.” 

When is the competition?

The competition runs from late November to late March.

Training

Late November – Early December

  • In class
  • Kahoot quizzes

First round

December

  • In class
  • Kahoot quizzes

College Final

January

  • In college
  • Kahoot quiz and a Tarsia jigsaw puzzle

Regional Final

March

  • In college, at a large venue, such as a sports stadium or university
  • Kahoot quiz and a Tarsia jigsaw puzzle

How is it organised?

MEI supplies all the questions and materials needed for the Challenge.

The Challenge is run within a ‘cluster’ of colleges. This could be amongst a College Group or any other cluster of colleges that collaborate to take part.

Each cluster needs one college to take on the role of the ‘FE Maths Challenge Regional Centre’, leading the Challenge within the cluster. This involves liaising with MEI, coordinating with the other colleges in the cluster, and arranging the regional final. 

News stories from previous FE Maths Challenges

For further details

Please contact the FE CPD team at [email protected] or on 01225 716495.