We only publish exam dates and fees after checking the organiser's official announcement. Status: awaiting the 2026–27 announcement — the format and season notes below describe this exam's usual pattern, not this year's confirmed dates. Always confirm on the official page before registering or paying.
At a glance
| Organiser | The Mathematical Association (UK) |
|---|---|
| Official site | www.primarymathschallenge.org.uk |
| Region | United Kingdom (primary schools) |
| Grades | Years 3–6 (ages 7–11) |
| Registration | Through primary schools; papers are ordered by the school. |
| Usual season | Main round typically November; bonus round typically February |
| 2026–27 dates | awaiting official announcement |
| Fees | Papers priced per pack for schools — confirm on the official site. |
Format
- Paper-based challenge sat in school, multiple-choice
- A main challenge round with high scorers invited to a bonus/final round later in the year
- Designed to be accessible and fun rather than selective
Worth reading first
Prepare without the panic
Competition papers reward secure fundamentals more than tricks. The honest way in is free daily practice pitched at your child's actual level — and if a competition is months away, that is exactly enough time to close the one gap that would have cost the most marks.