Year nine children from Whitcliffe Mount Business and Enterprise College sat their key stage three maths tests a year early. When they started at the college they were placed on accelerated maths course which will lead to them also sitting their GCSEs a year in advance, and give them the opportunity to study extra maths courses when they reach 16.

During the maths activity day at the university the 52 kids were presented with many interesting and challenging problems to solve using logic and reasoning.

They worked in small groups and pairs alongside first year university students and were even taught some of 'tricks of the trade' for solving and understanding card tricks.

They also had a tour of the campus and were able to ask questions and also put their skills to use working out how much a higher education would cost them.

One pupil, Phillipa Roberts, said the day was really useful. She added: "Lots of us had never been to a university before and didn't know what it was like – it was good."

Headteacher John McGee said: "This was an excellent opportunity to offer challenges to our most gifted mathematicians and raise aspiration and awareness of career opportunities in mathematics."