A NATIONWIDE maths challenge has added up to success for pupils at Bury C of E High School.

The United Kingdom Junior Mathematical Challenge encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought and fluency in basic maths techniques to solve non-standard problems.

It is targeted at the top third of pupils in Years Seven and Eight.

The problems were designed to make students think . . . and sometimes smile! Most problems could be tackled by younger students, yet still challenge those with more experience.

Certificates nationally were awarded to the highest-scoring 40 per cent of candidates (six per cent gold, 13 per cent silver and 21 per cent bronze).

Bury C of E's impressive figures were ten per cent gold, 43 per cent silver and 15 per cent bronze. A total of 69 per cent of pupils gained certificates while the national average was 40 per cent.

At Bury C of E, this equated to four gold, 17 silver and six bronze certificates. Best in school was Year Seven pupil Lucy Calderbank. Staff, in particular head of maths Mr John Booth, were delighted with the results.