We are delighted to celebrate the remarkable achievements of RGS Guildford Sixth Form student Yuvan, whose exceptional performance in international mathematics competitions has established him as one of the United Kingdom’s leading young mathematicians.
Each year, the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT) hosts its prestigious Celebration Lecture to recognise students who have achieved outstanding success in national and international mathematical competitions. In 2026, the UK was represented at four major international events: the European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad, the Romanian Master of Mathematics, the Balkan Mathematical Olympiad, and the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). Across all four competitions, only 14 students from the UK were selected to compete, making Yuvan’s inclusion in three of these elite teams an extraordinary accomplishment.
Yuvan’s achievements are particularly impressive given the highly competitive selection process. The International Mathematical Olympiad, widely regarded as the world’s most prestigious mathematics competition for school-age students, attracts the brightest young mathematicians from across the globe. From an initial group of 72 students invited to the UK training programme, only six earned a place on the final team representing the country at the 2026 IMO in Shanghai, China.
A defining moment in Yuvan’s journey came at the Balkan Mathematical Olympiad, where he achieved a perfect score of 40 out of 40, an exceptional feat that secured his selection for the UK IMO team. His performance demonstrated not only outstanding technical ability but also the creativity, perseverance and problem-solving skills required to excel at the highest level of competitive mathematics.
At the International Mathematical Olympiad itself, Yuvan competed against some of the most talented young mathematicians in the world. The 2026 competition brought together 666 contestants from 117 countries, creating an exceptionally strong field of competition. The UK team performed superbly, finishing 8th overall, making it the highest-ranked Western European nation. Adding to an already remarkable year, Yuvan was awarded a Silver Medal, achieving an impressive score of 26 out of 42.
Yuvan’s accomplishments were recognised at the IMO Celebration Lecture on 21 September, where Dr Dominic Yeo, who led the training of the UK IMO team, highlighted Yuvan’s outstanding contributions and celebrated a year of exceptional success.
This achievement reflects Yuvan’s extraordinary dedication, resilience and mathematical talent, as well as his commitment to pursuing academic excellence. His success places him among the very best young mathematicians in the country and serves as an inspiration to aspiring mathematicians throughout the School.
We congratulate Yuvan on this exceptional achievement and look forward to following his future successes in mathematics and beyond.