BUDDING mathematicians from an Eastleigh college scooped 40 prizes in a national competition.

High fliers from Barton Peveril College won eight gold, 18 silver and 14 bronze awards at the UK Mathematics Trust Senior Maths Challenge.

More than 81,000 students nationwide took on the exam-style challenge, which tests mathematical, communication and teamwork skills.

Jowan Atkinson, Tabitha Sparks, Dominic Carey and Curtis Clement came second in the regional team heat by one point to Portsmouth Grammar School, with Winchester’s Peter Symonds College in third.

Gold awards are given to the top 10 per cent of individual entrants with Matthew Collins, Chris Thomas, Tamsin Newlove and Jack Priestley joining the winners.

The Senior Team Mathematics Challenge is organised by the Further Mathematics Support Programme in partnership with the UK Mathematics Trust.