SCORES of students tackled number-crunching of national proportions after pushing their knowledge of mathematics to the limit.

About 130 students from Years 10 to 13 at Northallerton College took part in the National Maths Challenge, a gruelling hour-long assessment of their skills.

The initiative is designed to test their problem-solving abilities involving applications of their mathematical skills and analytical thinking.

Two of the students gained gold; Caroline Haworth, in year 13, and Ben Stuart, in year 11, 14 secured silver and 23 earned bronze placing them among the country’s best mathematical minds.

Head of maths John Goodwin said: “We have had a very good year for maths, particularly in the sixth form. The top two results in the sixth form have both been offered places at Oxford University to read science and this will stand them in good stead.

“Maths remains one of the essential building blocks of a successful education at Northallerton College and the national challenge helps students apply what they have been taught and also raises standards.”