The Archimedes Awards UK Schools National Challenge 2026/27

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Competition Date: Sunday, 29th November 2026

Fee: £25 per participant, includes an Official Archimedes Awards e-Certificate

Our challenge is open to students across various age groups and key stages, designed to inspire curiosity and build strong mathematical foundations. The stages are as follows:

• Key Stage 2 (Year 3-6) - Competition Time: 9.30am
• Key Stage 3 (Year 7-9) - Competition Time: 10.30am
• Key Stage 4 (Year 10-11) - Competition Time: 11.30am
• Key Stage 5 (Year 12-13) - Competition Time: 11.30am

Challenge Details:

• Online Format: Accessible from any location, ensuring a stress-free and convenient experience for all participants.
• Structured Timing: Held on set dates, promoting discipline and focused preparation.
• Problem Set: A series of 25 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 55 minutes, testing reasoning, time management, and application of mathematical concepts.
• Official Certificates: All participants will be recognised with a Distinguished Archimedes e-Certificate that acknowledges their achievement level, with awards for Distinction, Merit, Pass.
• Pathway to Final Stage: High achievers are nominated by our Board of Examiners to progress to Final Stage, allowing them to continue their journey toward excellence.
• Rewards, Recognition and Opportunities: Please refer to the drop box below to view more prizes that can be won. 

Results & Certificates

• All papers will be marked by our integrated system. 
• Results are reviewed and standardised by the Board of Examiners to ensure fairness and consistency.
• Every student will receive an official e-Certificate, awarded at one of three levels:
  • Distinction - Outstanding Achievement
  • Merit - Strong Achievement
  • Participation - Successful Completion

Competition Date: Sunday, 25th April 2027

Fee: £25 per participant, includes an Official Archimedes National Finalist e-Certificate

Final Stage is a prestigious opportunity for students nominated from Qualifying Stage by our Board of Examiners. This advanced competition provides a platform for talented individuals to showcase their abilities and compete at the highest level.

Competition Details:

• Online Format: Continuing the accessible, disruption-free environment for participant to excel.
• Scheduled Dates: The competition takes place on predetermined dates, ensuring a well-organised and punctual event.
• Advanced Problem Set: Participants tackle 25 challenging multiple-choice questions.
• Timed Challenge: Participants must complete the competition within 55 minutes, enhancing focus and critical thinking under time constraints.
• Prestigious Certificates: Every finalist will receive an Archimedes Finalists e-Certificate, a prestigious mark of recognition for achievement on the national stage. 
• National Trophies and Honours: The National Champion and National Runner-Up titles will each receive a trophy. 
• Distinguished Awards and Certificate:  A range of honours including the Outstanding Achievement Award, Certificate of Excellence, Emerging Mathematician Award,  will be formally recognised and recorded on the Archimedes Finalist Certificate.
• Rewards, Recognition and Opportunities: Please refer to the drop box below to view more prizes that can be won. 

Recognising Achievement and Excellence

These distinctions celebrate diverse dimension of mathematical excellence, from originality and creativity to resilience and reasoning, ensuring all forms of talent are acknowledged and rewarded at the national level. We honour the dedication and skills of our participants through various awards, celebrating every milestone along the way.  

At The Archimedes Awards, we believe that every student deserves not only recognition but also opportunities that inspire them to go further in their mathematical journey. That is why we are working with a network of prestigious collaborators and world-class partners to make the competition truly exceptional.

Final Stage Prizes are awarded across multiple categories, key stages, and levels of achievement, ensuring recognition is meaningful and inclusive. From certificates for all participants to distinguished awards and exclusive opportunities for top performers, students can look forward to rewards that celebrate both effort and excellence.

Highlights include:

• Exclusive Invitation to The Archimedes Awards Grand Laureate Ceremony 2027 - National Champions, National Runners-Up, honour recipients and selected finalists may be invited to attend the grand event — a distinguished celebration of mathematical achievement at the national level. The invitation-only ceremony will bring together representatives from schools, universities, educational and STEM partners, mathematicians, student ambassadors, families and members of the wider mathematics community. Selected students may be formally presented with their national honours, celebrated for their achievements and given the opportunity to represent the next generation of mathematical thinkers.

• Certificates & Awards - Every finalist receives an official certificate, with distinguished awards for outstanding performers at each Key Stage.
   
• Prizes & Exclusive Merchandise - Carefully selected rewards, learning resources, and limited-edition Archimedes items that celebrate achievement.
   
• Gift Vouchers - Thoughtfully chosen vouchers offered as part of selected awards, recognising achievement and providing students with the opportunity to further explore their interests and talents. 

• Exclusive Entry - Access to special events, exhibitions, and curated learning experiences through our partners.
   
• Talks & Masterclasses - Inspiring sessions with Speakers from Education, Industry and Related Fields
   
• Premium Subscriptions - Carefully chosen digital platforms and resources to extend mathematical exploration in an exclusive way.
   
• Global Recognition - As part of an international programme, winners are showcased and celebrated across our platforms, with opportunities to be featured in The Archimedes Awards Hall of Fame.
   

By joining, every student takes part in a journey that is not only engaging and academically rewarding, but may enriched with prestigious opportunities and exclusive experiences, supported by leading voices in education and STEM.