Jithya Krithika Kotte, aged 12, was named the Level 7 winner in the British Youth International College’s (BYITC) International Maths Olympiad - now in its seventh year. The free-to-enter competition is open to students aged four to fourteen and challenges participants with 50 questions focused on accuracy and speed.

North Liverpool Academy's Principal, Emily Vernon, said "NLA is known for the buzz around Maths, with students going on to achieve in the top universities in the country. Congratulations Jithya! If you are succeeding at this international level in Year 7, I can only imagine where the world of Maths will take you in the future!"

Jithya, who now finds maths much more enjoyable, said: "Maths is no longer hard for me. With BYITC, I’ve learnt to solve things quickly and clearly and that’s helped me in other subjects too! The teachers are so supportive, they always help if I get stuck!"  Her father, Bhaskar, added: "I love how BYITC focuses on understanding concepts instead of just memorising formulas. My child now knows why maths works the way it does!"

The Olympiad is based on BYITC’s pioneering Abacus Maths programme, which blends mental maths, finger theory, and abacus techniques to build students’ numerical confidence and speed. Thirteen top-performing students across various levels were awarded certificates and trophies for their impressive skills.

Dr Rashmi Mantri, Founder of BYITC, praised all those who took part:
"Every child who entered gave it their best shot, and that dedication really came through. Challenges like this not only boost maths skills but also improve time management and logical thinking – crucial abilities for future success in school and beyond."

Since launching the Olympiad, BYITC has recognised over 75 winners globally. The organisation, based in Glasgow, is also behind the world’s first fully digital, game-based abacus maths app and is now the UK’s largest provider of Abacus Maths classes.