Free-to-enter global competition launches as new PISA results reignite focus on numeracy and attainment
Youngsters aged 4 to 14 are being invited to put their mathematical skills to the test as part of Maths Week Scotland 2026, with entries now open for the 10th International Maths Olympiad Challenge.
Organised by Glasgow-based educational technology provider British Youth International College (BYITC), the free-to-enter challenge will run during Maths Week Scotland from 21 to 27 September, giving young learners from around the world the opportunity to compete alongside their peers in a global celebration of mathematics.
The launch comes as the latest Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results highlight the growing importance of raising attainment and engagement in mathematics. The international study, published this week, showed England improving its position in maths, reading and science, while Scotland and Wales recorded lower rankings, reinforcing calls across the education sector for continued investment and innovation to support numeracy and learning outcomes.
Since its launch, participation in the International Maths Olympiad Challenge has grown significantly, with numbers increasing by approximately 60 per cent since 2015 and thousands of students from more than 50 countries now taking part each year.
Notably, around 90 per cent of Olympiad winners to date have come from the UK, demonstrating the strong mathematical talent being developed across the country while also highlighting the opportunity for young people to benchmark their abilities against peers from around the world.
Dr Rashmi Mantri OBE, Founder and CEO of BYITC Supermaths, said: “Reaching the 10th International Maths Olympiad Challenge is a proud milestone for everyone involved with BYITC.
“The latest PISA results have once again sparked important discussions about educational standards and attainment. Opportunities that encourage children to engage positively with mathematics, build confidence and challenge themselves beyond the classroom have never been more important.
“Through the Olympiad, children can experience the excitement of competing on a global stage while strengthening logical thinking, problem-solving abilities and numeracy skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.”
The competition has been designed to encourage children to challenge themselves, improve their speed and accuracy, and develop a positive relationship with mathematics. Open to all children aged 4 to 14, the Olympiad allows participants to test their abilities against age-appropriate challenges in a supportive and competitive environment.
A key feature of the competition is the technology that enables thousands of participants from different locations to take part in a common challenge. BYITC Supermaths has developed sophisticated digital infrastructure to support the online delivery of the Olympiad, including assessment, results processing and participant management at scale.
Dr Mantri added: “One of the most valuable aspects of the Olympiad is the opportunity for children to measure themselves against international peers.
“While UK participants have historically achieved remarkable success, winning around 90 per cent of awards over the years, the competition also exposes children to a truly global learning environment that broadens horizons and inspires ambition.
“Technology has played a vital role in the growth of the Olympiad over the past decade. It allows us to connect children from different countries, provide a seamless competition experience and celebrate mathematical achievement on a global scale.
“Most importantly, the Olympiad demonstrates that mathematics can be exciting, rewarding and accessible to every child.
“As we celebrate Maths Week Scotland, we are encouraging families, schools and young learners to get involved and experience the challenge for themselves.”
Participants will compete for a range of awards, with trophies and certificates presented to winners across the various categories.
The 10th International Maths Olympiad Challenge is free to enter and open to children aged 4 to 14 worldwide.
For more information and to register, visit: International-Maths-Olympiad – British Youth International College.
