Further education maths challenge students looking at the camera.

Further Education Maths Challenge

MEI’s Further Education (FE) Maths Challenge is a competition for post-16 students working towards gaining a Functional Skills maths qualification or improving their GCSE Mathematics grade. 

The Challenge invites those studying GCSE Maths resit or Functional Skills Maths to take a step away from routine revision and rediscover what there is to love about maths.  

There are three entry categories, where teams can compete to win on a national stage:

There are three entry categories, where teams can compete to win on a national stage:

  • The Funkies

    For students whose highest GCSE grade is a grade 1, or studying FS entry

  • Ein2steins

    For students whose highest GCSE grade is a grade 2, or studying FS Level 1

  • Go Forth

    For students whose highest GCSE grade is a grade 3, or studying FS Level 2.

In 2026, more than 100 schools and colleges will participate, with more than 50,000 taking part in the heats. There are 10 regional finals, and a national final which takes place in April. Winning teams will be invited to RIAT in July as part of their prize. 

This programme is also supported by AQA.

Further Education Maths Challenge