After weeks of hard work, tough mathematical training and three days of intense competitions, four High Wycombe pupils were named runners up in a national maths competition.

John Hampden Grammar School’s Jake Butterfield, Jake Lawson, Will Harmer and Harrison Carter fought off tough competition from hundreds of schools around the country to win second place in the National Young Mathematicians’ Awards.

The youngsters took part in two dramatic heats where they showed off their teamwork, initiative and mathematical prowess to make it to the final, where they battled against four secondary schools from Chepstow, Nottingham, Altrincham and Rugby.

Despite their efforts, they were pipped at the post by a team of four from Lawrence Sheriff School in Rugby but were given a prize by maths guru and University Challenge legend Bobby Seagull.

He said: “A massive congratulations to John Hampden Grammar School for doing so well in this year’s competition.

“They were so close to victory, but undoubtedly should be proud of their amazing efforts. I was so impressed by the level of team work, mathematical thinking and diligence shown by the runners-up. I am confident that they have bright mathematical futures ahead of them.”

Rowan Aylett, head of maths at John Hampden, said: “We are so proud of our boys the competition has really allowed them to work as a team and they thoroughly enjoyed all of the rounds.”