Overview
The Senior Mathematical Challenge (SMC) is the first-round maths competition for older students run by the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust (UKMT). It is a single paper sat in school, and strong results lead on to the British Mathematical Olympiad.
Who can enter
The SMC is for students in the following years or below:
England, Wales and overseas schools: Year 13
Scotland: S6
Northern Ireland: Year 14
Most entrants are in the last two years of school, but younger students can also take it. Entry goes through a school, which buys the papers.
Exam pattern
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Questions | 25 in total |
| Question types (from 2026) | 22 multiple-choice questions, then three questions whose answers are whole numbers written in a 000 to 999 format |
| Mode | Paper-based, taken in school |
From the 2026 competition, the last three questions changed from multiple-choice to numerical answers. UKMT points to its awards and scoring page for the marking scheme and certificate thresholds.
Important dates
The SMC for 2026 is held on Wednesday 7 October 2026.
Fees
For 2026, UKMT charges 16 pounds per pack of 10 printed papers sent by post, or 15 pounds per pack of 10 if the school downloads and prints them.
After the competition
UKMT invites around 1,000 qualifying SMC students to the British Mathematical Olympiad Round 1 (BMO1), which is free for those invited. Schools may also enter other eligible students at their discretion for a 40 pound fee.
Preparation tips
Work through past SMC papers under timed conditions, since you are not expected to finish the paper. With the new numerical-answer questions, practise giving an exact three-digit answer rather than choosing from options.
Can a student enter on their own?
No. The SMC is entered through a school, which orders the papers from UKMT.
What comes after the SMC?
Around 1,000 qualifiers are invited to the British Mathematical Olympiad Round 1, held in November.