The Further Education Maths Challenge: Looking Ahead to the National Final

After months of teamwork, problem-solving and lively competition, the Further Education Maths Challenge is reaching an exciting milestone. This article looks ahead to the competition’s first-ever National Final, taking place this April, and celebrates the journey so far for the students, colleges and organisers involved. 

Celebrating the competition’s first-ever national final 

After an exciting two months of regional competitions, the first-place teams from across the country are preparing for the first-ever National Final of the Further Education Maths Challenge, taking place at Solihull College and University Centre on 21 April.  

The event celebrates maths in a way that engages students of all abilities – including those who may find maths challenging – helping them problem solve, collaborate, and enjoy maths in a supportive and engaging environment.

About the Further Education Maths Challenge

The Further Education Maths Challenge is a national competition for post-16 learners who are working towards gaining a Functional Skills maths qualification or improving their GCSE Mathematics grade.  

Originally developed through MEI’s work with the Stoke-on-Trent Mathematics Excellence Partnership, the challenge has grown into a national competition since 2021 through collaboration with the Centres for Maths Excellence. It is part of MEI’s wider mission to inspire learners of all abilities and help them experience the excitement and relevance of maths around them. 

The challenge has three entry categories based on prior attainment:  

• The Funkies – Entry Level/Grade 1  
• Ein2steins – Level 1/Grade 2 
• Go Forth – Level 2/Grade 3

Through a series of team-based problem-solving rounds, the challenge helps students develop resilience, engage with mathematics in meaningful ways, and see how it connects to the real world. 

A growing competition

This year’s Further Education Maths Challenge has been the biggest yet, with:

• 124 colleges taking part  
• almost 60,000 students involved 
• 125,000 interactive quiz responses across 8,500 classrooms 

The challenge continues to open up opportunities for learners who might not usually put themselves forward for maths enrichment, giving students the chance to build confidence, collaborate with peers and tackle new mathematical ideas.  

Sponsors and support 

Thanks to the support of AQA and the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, the National Final will bring all the winning teams together to compete across all three categories on 21 April at Solihull College and University Centre.  

We are incredibly proud of every team that’s competed so far across every stage of the competition, and we cannot wait to celebrate their achievements on 21 April.  

Interested in taking part next year? Registrations for the next Further Education Maths Challenge will open in early summer (June–July).

Follow us on social media and sign up for our Stay Informed mailing list to be the first to hear when applications open. 

Regional Final Winners 

Regional Final: Runners Up