Accessible paper order
25 August 2026
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Competition
Mathematical Olympiad for Girls
A rigorous UKMT olympiad built around five challenging mathematics problems, combining numerical answers with fully reasoned proofs.
Last verified: 18 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
Competition
Mathematical Olympiad for Girls
A rigorous UKMT olympiad built around five challenging mathematics problems, combining numerical answers with fully reasoned proofs.
Last verified: 18 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
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Girls Mathematics Olympiad at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Open now
Eligibility
School-entered girls and young women
Age range / Year group
Year 11-equivalent and above
Location / Region
UK schools
Cost
2 free; then £25 each
Prize highlight
Top ~70: medals and books
Entry format
In-school paper, five problems
Girls Mathematics Olympiad summary
The UKMT Mathematical Olympiad for Girls is a demanding paper built around five problems that reward deep mathematical thinking rather than rapid routine calculation.
Two questions need numerical answers, while three require fully explained solutions. Strong partial ideas can earn credit, but a complete proof is especially valuable.
It suits confident mathematicians who enjoy unfamiliar problems, sustained reasoning and communicating each step clearly.
What is Mathematical Olympiad for Girls?
The Mathematical Olympiad for Girls is a UKMT problem-solving competition designed to encourage girls and young women in advanced mathematics. Its five problems move beyond routine school exercises and reward insight, logical development and precise mathematical communication.
Students complete a paper under school exam conditions. Two questions use numerical answers, while three ask for full written explanations showing how calculations, equations and proofs fit together.
Why Succeed highlights Girls Mathematics Olympiad
The paper rewards mathematical reasoning and proof, not just final answers.
Partial credit gives students a reason to document promising ideas even when a solution is unfinished.
Earlier parts can introduce ideas needed later, creating a thoughtful progression through each problem.
Free past papers, solutions and investigations provide unusually practical preparation materials.
Certificates across performance bands recognise participation as well as top attainment.
Who is Girls Mathematics Olympiad for?
Best for
Students who enjoy unfamiliar mathematics, can persist with multi-part problems and want to develop rigorous proof writing.
Not ideal if
You prefer calculator-based work, short multiple-choice questions or entering without support from a registered school.
Is Girls Mathematics Olympiad worth it?
For a student who genuinely enjoys advanced problem-solving, this is a worthwhile test of reasoning, persistence and written mathematical communication. The feedback, certificates and chance of further recognition can make the experience useful even without a top score.
The limitation is that the paper is demanding and entry must be organised through a school. Preparation also takes focused practice, so it is less valuable if entered only for a certificate rather than an interest in olympiad mathematics.
How much preparation does Girls Mathematics Olympiad need?
Effort level
High.
Best started
Four to six weeks before the competition sitting.
Main challenge
Turning promising ideas into complete, logically connected solutions.
Typical preparation
Work through several free past papers under gradually tighter time limits.
Compare your reasoning with official solutions and rewrite unclear arguments.
Practise explaining every equation, construction and assertion rather than presenting answers alone.
Rehearse one complete timed paper before the school sitting.
Useful if
You already enjoy non-routine mathematics and proof-based questions.
What do students do on Girls Mathematics Olympiad?
Your school arranges the entry and hosts a timed paper under exam conditions. You solve five olympiad problems, then the school scans and submits the official answer sheets for marking.
Step-by-step process
- 1
A school coordinator registers and purchases the required entries.
- 2
The school downloads and prints the question paper and personalised answer sheets.
- 3
Students sit the paper under strict exam conditions.
- 4
Students give numerical answers to two questions and full explanations for three.
- 5
The school scans the completed answer sheets and checks every page.
- 6
The coordinator uploads the scans and later downloads results and certificates.
Girls Mathematics Olympiad dates and deadlines
Upcoming
Competition sitting
22 September 2026
Timed school-based paper
Answer-sheet upload
23 September 2026
Upload by 11:59pm
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Accessible paper order | 25 August 2026 | Local | Upcoming | |
Competition sitting | 22 September 2026 | Local | Upcoming | |
Answer-sheet upload | 23 September 2026 | Local | Upcoming | Save deadline |
Eligibility and requirements
Girls and young women under UKMT's August 2026 policy
England and Wales: Year 11 and above
Scotland: S4 and above
Northern Ireland: Year 12 and above
Younger students at the school's discretion
Entry through a UKMT-registered institution
Students cannot sit both MCG and MOG
Overseas exception requires British-passport eligibility
How much does Girls Mathematics Olympiad cost?
School entries
2 free; then £25 each — Up to two additional paid entries
How to enter Girls Mathematics Olympiad
- 1
Ask your school's UKMT coordinator whether they can enter you.
- 2
The coordinator registers the school as a UKMT centre if needed.
- 3
The school purchases discretionary entries through its Competition Profile.
- 4
The coordinator records each entrant's name and correct year-group code.
- 5
The school downloads and prints the required papers and answer sheets.
- 6
After the sitting, the school scans and uploads the completed answer sheets.
Save this competition in Succeed, keep the deadline visible, and track your progress before you submit.
Start your entry checklistSubmission requirements
Students write on the official answer sheets, which the school scans and uploads after the competition.
Two numerical-answer responses
Three fully explained written solutions
Calculations and equations clearly justified
Full proofs for stated assertions
Official answer sheets only
No rough work or blank sheets uploaded
Maximum 14MB per uploaded file
QR codes and corner markers fully visible
Prizes and recognition
Certificate of Distinction
Awarded to the top 25% of students.
Certificate of Merit
Awarded to the next 40% of students.
Participation certificate
Awarded to students below the Merit threshold.
Medals and book prize
Approximately the top 70 receive medals and a book prize.
What this may help with
Demonstrating sustained interest in advanced mathematics.
What it does not guarantee
University admission or progression to another olympiad round.
Judging criteria
- 50 marks available across five questions
- 10 marks available for each question
- Partial marks for incomplete or partly correct work
- No negative marks for incorrect answers
- Complete solutions earn more credit than guesses
- Clear reasoning and full proofs required
No separate weighting beyond the published 10 marks per question is stated.
How to stand out
- Explain where every calculation, equation and table comes from.
- Link each step so the marker can follow the complete argument.
- State and prove assertions instead of relying on an unsupported answer.
- Submit promising partial ideas when a full solution remains out of reach.
- Prioritise one polished complete solution over several vague attempts.
- Use earlier problem parts as clues for later stages.
Girls Mathematics Olympiad FAQs
It is a UKMT olympiad featuring five challenging mathematics problems for girls and young women. The paper emphasises reasoning, proof and clear written communication.
There are five questions, each worth 10 marks. Two require numerical answers and three require full written explanations.
Yes. Incomplete or partially correct solutions can receive credit when they contain useful ideas, although a complete solution is worth more than several guesses.
No. A registered institution must arrange the entry; individual students, parents and private tutors cannot place an order.
Calculators and protractors are forbidden. Students may use rulers, compasses and rough paper before writing their final solution on the supplied answer sheet.
No. UKMT states that a student cannot sit both competitions.
Use UKMT past papers, solutions and investigations to practise unfamiliar problems. Focus on writing complete proofs and explaining how every step connects.
Students receive Participation, Merit or Distinction certificates according to performance. Approximately the top 70 scorers in 2026 also receive medals and a book prize.
Alternatives to Girls Mathematics Olympiad
Compare these published options if you want a different mathematics format, setting or audience.
Alternatives to Girls Mathematics Olympiad
Purple Comet! Math Meet
Open now
Online mathematics and problem-solving team meet
Mathematics
15 Apr 2027
Free
11-19
Best for
Students wanting accessible online team mathematics
In-person mathematics tournament in Cambridge
Mathematics
20 Sept 2026
$80
Up to 20
Best for
Older students seeking an in-person tournament
Breakthrough Junior Challenge
Open now
Science and mathematics explanation challenge
Mathematics
15 Sept 2026
Free
13-18
Best for
Students who prefer explaining ideas creatively
Save this competition in Succeed to compare it with other essay prizes, deadlines and entry formats in one place.
Compare with other competitionsContent reviewed by
Ben Stacy
Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader
Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.
Sources & verification
Source types reviewed
- Competition Handbook - FAQs
- Competition Handbook - Uploading Answer Sheets
- Competition Handbook - Question Paper Download
- Competition Handbook - Access Arrangements
- Competition Handbook - Order T&Cs
- Competition Handbook - Quick-Step Guide
- Competition Handbook - UKMT Competitions
- Login - Cuttle
- Mathematical Olympiad for Girls Awards - UKMT
- Competition Calendar 2026-27 - UKMT
- Mathematical Olympiad for Girls - UKMT
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 18 Aug 2026)
Competition date checked
Submission deadline checked
Eligibility rules reviewed
Entry cost verified
Paper format confirmed
Scoring structure checked
Awards guidance reviewed
School process verified
How Succeed uses this information
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