The Mathematics Secondary Team within the Directorate for STEM and VET Programmes organised the 13th edition of the Malta Mathematics Olympiad on 14th March 2026 at St Thomas Moore College, Carlo Diacono Secondary School in Żejtun.
The Mathematics Olympiads are organised for secondary school students to enhance their problem-solving and critical thinking skills while fostering a deeper interest in mathematics. These competitions help identify and nurture talented students, exposing them to advanced mathematical concepts beyond the standard curriculum. They also build confidence, perseverance, and logical reasoning, which are valuable for academic and career success. Additionally, Olympiads provide recognition and opportunities for students to excel at national and international levels, encouraging academic excellence and healthy competition.
The event consisted of two parts. The first was an individual one-hour multiple-choice, non-calculator paper, which determined the top three individual performers. The second part was a one-hour team paper, where students collaborated to solve a series of mathematical problems. The use of a calculator was permitted in this section. The overall team rankings were based on the combined scores from both sections.
The event was open to Year 9 and Year 10 students from both state and non-state secondary schools across Malta. This year, 29 schools participated, each represented by a team of three students, making a total of 87 participants. Mathematics teachers at the participating schools supported their students in preparing for the Olympiad.
The individual competition was won by Matt Seetoo Zhao from Sir Adrian Dingli Middle and Secondary School Pembroke, St. Clare College. Huixuan Wang from Lily of the Valley Secondary School Mosta, Maria Regina College, placed second, while Niko Bonello from San, Ħamrun Secondary School, Ġorġ Preca College placed third.
In the team event, Lily of the Valley Secondary School Mosta, Maria Regina College, emerged as the overall winners. Sir Adrian Dingli Middle and Secondary School Pembroke, St. Clare College placed second, and Ħamrun Secondary School, San Ġorġ Preca College came third.
At the end of the event, Ms Xanthe Schembri, Assistant Director within the Directorate for STEM and VET Programmes, presented awards, plaques, and trophies to the winners. All participants were awarded certificates in recognition of their participation.
Special thanks go to Ms Melanie Casha Sammut, Director of STEM and VET Programmes, for her support and guidance. We also extend our appreciation to the Education Officers for Secondary Mathematics: Mr Jonathan Mifsud, Ms Miriam Bugeja, and Ms Mariella Galea, along with the Heads of Department for Mathematics in both state and non-state secondary schools for their work in preparing and organising the Olympiad. Finally, we would like to thank Mr Adrian Galea, Head of School, and his staff for providing the venue and contributing to the event’s success.
