More than 30 schools from across the New England region will take part in the 46th Newcastle Permanent Primary School Mathematics Competition next week, with Year 5 and 6 students putting their mathematical and problem-solving skills to the test.
The competition begins on Monday, 3 August, challenging students to complete a series of mathematical problems within 45 minutes. Participants will answer 35 questions without the use of calculators or rulers.
The New England region recorded strong results in the 2025 competition, with local winners Hugh Blackwell from The Armidale School, Charlotte Bavea from St Mary of the Angels Primary School, Fletcher Sault from Narrabri Public School and Lachlan Macmullen from Armidale City Public School.
Now in its 46th year, the Newcastle Permanent Primary School Mathematics Competition is one of Australia’s longest-running mathematics competitions for primary school students. The 2026 event will be conducted entirely online for the first time, with a text-to-speech function included to improve accessibility.
Newcastle Permanent spokesperson Paul Juergens said he was proud the competition had continued to challenge and inspire students for more than four decades.
“It’s really exciting to reach the 46th year of the Newcastle Permanent Primary School Maths Competition,” Juergens said.
“Maths plays such a crucial role in everyday life, from budgeting, cooking, time management and problem solving, and this competition is a great way to help students see how their skills can be used in real-world situations.
“For generations, this competition has given students the chance to test themselves, think creatively and build confidence in their maths skills. We look forward to seeing the continued impact this initiative has on our communities into the future.”
Competition Director Dr Peter Howley said the competition encouraged students to engage with mathematics in practical and meaningful ways.
“With career interests and trajectories forming in the primary school years, it is important to provide young students opportunities to engage with mathematics, and the associated critical thinking, problem-solving and quantitative skills, in practical and appealing ways,” Dr Howley said.
“The Newcastle Permanent Primary School Maths Competition plays a valuable role in expanding students’ experiences and learning; uniquely supporting and complementing traditional educational activities. The competition connects students with practical applications and skills development, enabling students to give maths a go in new contexts.
“I’m delighted to lead this historic competition and it’s wonderful to have so many schools, teachers and students engaging with this year’s competition.”
Since its inception in 1981, the competition has attracted more than half a million participants across New South Wales.
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