Following his A Level examinations this summer, Tonbridge School’s Year 13 student Alex Chui travelled to Shanghai to represent the United Kingdom at the 2026 International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). His performance at the world’s premier mathematics competition didn’t just earn top honours—it rewritten the history books.
Now in its 67th year, the IMO is described by the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT) as “the oldest, largest, and most prestigious of all the international science Olympiads,” renowned for problems that are notoriously difficult.
Held over two grueling days from 15–16 July, this year’s competition brought together 666 contestants from over 110 countries. Competitors tackled two separate four-and-a-half-hour examination papers, each featuring three increasingly complex problems spanning topics such as advanced algebra and geometry.
A Record-Breaking Legacy
Alex delivered an extraordinary performance, earning his fifth IMO gold medal with a perfect score—one of just seven competitors out of fifty-five gold medalists to achieve 100% this year.
This historic feat cements his place in IMO history as the competition’s most decorated participant of all time, bringing his total career tally to five gold medals and two silver medals.
“Taking part in the IMO has been an incredible experience, allowing me to challenge myself mathematically and meet people from around the world who share the same passion for mathematics,” reflected Alex.
Dr. Dominic Yeo, Senior Lecturer in Mathematics at King’s College London and the UK’s IMO Team Leader, praised Alex’s accomplishment:
“IMO problems are always challenging, and finding the right approaches to this year’s hardest tasks was genuinely demanding. To have solved every problem perfectly at IMO 2026 is a formidable achievement, and Alex’s five Gold medals are a reflection of his hard work over many years, and remarkable problem-solving creativity.”
Team UK Scores Top-10 Finish
Alex’s historic personal success came alongside a brilliant showing by the entire UK squad. The six-member national team—selected through a rigorous UKMT programme featuring two national rounds and intensive training camps—secured eighth place globally.
Dr. Geoff Smith, Chair of Trustees at UKMT, noted that the UK team’s performance was a source of immense pride for everyone who values excellence in education. While commending all six team members, he described Alex’s world record as “astonishing.”
A Stellar Foundation at Tonbridge
For Tonbridge School’s Head of Mathematics, Owen Elton, Alex’s final Olympiad was a fitting conclusion to an exceptional school career.
“Alex has capped his unprecedented IMO career with a perfect score. He is the only competitor ever to have won seven medals, so is likely to top the Hall of Fame for decades,” said Elton, adding that the school’s mathematics department is thrilled to see Alex head off to take up his place at the University of Cambridge.
“Alex’s incredible achievement reflects a thriving mathematical ethos at Tonbridge School. Students are always keen to pit their wits against their peers in the UKMT’s excellent individual competitions, and we are proud of the medals in national Olympiads that they reliably achieve.”
The school’s academic pedigree extends well beyond individual triumphs:
- National Finals: Both Tonbridge’s senior and junior teams reached the national finals of their respective Team Maths Challenges in Manchester this year, with Alex and the senior team taking home equal first place.
- Global Dominance: Tonbridge maintains an enduring place at the top of the world rankings in the annual online Trinity Maths Competition.
- Cross-Disciplinary Excellence: The school’s elite leaderboard rankings carry over into Sciences, Economics, AI, Humanities, Art, Creative Writing, and Filmmaking.
Combining expert classroom extensions with hotly contested academic House competitions, Tonbridge consistently prepares its pupils for the world’s leading higher education institutions, including Oxbridge and the Ivy League.
As Alex prepares for his next chapter at Cambridge, he credited the school community for his growth:
“My time at Tonbridge allowed me to explore my interests in mathematics in depth, and the support and encouragement I have received from my teachers has been invaluable in helping me develop further.”
To learn more about academic life and enrichment opportunities at Tonbridge School, visit www.tonbridge-school.co.uk.
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