In the recent UK Intermediate Mathematical Challenge, Martin Gray, was the top performing student at our school.

He achieved the Gold Award in the Challenge, organised by the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust, and scored so highly he was selected to take part in a Europe-wide maths event, the European Kangaroo.

“I didn’t do too well in that round,” said Martin, a Year 10 student. “I enjoyed taking part. I was pleased to get a gold award in the UK challenge.”

Mr Michael Stokoe, Head of Mathematics at Bishop Barrington, said: “We have had a number of students achieving the Gold Award but this is the first time a student has qualified for the international round.”

Another high achieving mathematics student, Helen Swainston, is looking forward to a free trip to Paris. She was awarded the free trip as the most improved student at Key Stage 3. Helen is one of 37 Bishop Barrington students going on the mathematics trip to Paris during the last week of term.

Since moving up to Bishop Barrington, from primary school, Helen has improved by more than three levels. In her Maths SATs exam, last year, she attained level 8, the highest level.

Bishop Barrington has a number of other gifted young mathematicians. All pupils are given a silver and gold target for their subjects. Pupils achieving silver targets will have secured their expected potential, based on prior attainment. However, in mathematics so many students are achieving the gold standard, a higher platinum level has been introduced, to stretch students to achieve their full potential.

“It is an exciting time in the mathematics department. We have lots of things happening,” said Mr Stokoe.

Bishop Barrington’s more able and talented young mathematicians, in the current Year 9, who are likely to go beyond gold, will be able to take an AS level in maths in Year 11, in a link-up with Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College in Darlington.

Mr Stokoe believes Bishop Barrington is one of the first 11-16 secondary schools in County Durham where gifted students will be able to take AS Maths.