The SMC was created to promote a love of problem solving.

The Senior Mathematical Challenge is a 90-minute, multiple-choice competition aimed at students across the UK. All candidates start with 25 marks; 0 marks are awarded for each question left unanswered; 4 marks are awarded for each correct answer; 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer (to discourage guessing).

It encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought, and fluency in using basic mathematical techniques to solve interesting problems.

The problems on the Senior Maths Challenge are designed to make students think. Stimulating problems for both beginners and experienced problem-solvers.

To recognise the highest performers in the Challenge, the UKMT award the top-scoring 66% of participants Bronze, Silver and Gold certificates in the ratio 3:2:1.

Students who do well in the Senior Maths Challenge may qualify automatically for the Andrew Jobbings Senior Kangaroo or for the British Mathematical Olympiad Round 1 (BMO1).