110 number-savvy students have taken part in this year's UK Maths Challenge. This is an annual event held in school under strict examination conditions with top set students from Year 9 and 10 and some volunteers from Year 11 involved. It is a 60-minute, multiple-choice competition aimed at students across the UK and encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought, and fluency in using basic mathematical techniques to solve interesting problems.

Can you answer one of the questions?
Pete's pies all cost an integer number of pounds. A cherry pie costs the same as two apple pies. A blueberry pie costs the same as two damson pies. A cherry pie and two damson pies cost the same as an apple pie and two blueberry pies. Paul buys one of each type of pie. Which of the following could be the amount he spends?

A: £16
B: £18
C: £20
D: £22
E: £24

What is the next step in the UK Maths Challenge?
All students receive a certificate of participation. The top 50% of students in the competition receive either a bronze, silver or gold certificate. There will also be a "best in year" and "best in school" denoted on the certificate for the relevant students. 

If any of our students are in the top 8000 nationally, they will be invited to participate in a follow-on round: the Grey Kangaroo (Year 9) or Pink Kangaroo (Year 10 or 11).  This will be a 60-minute, multiple-choice Challenge consisting of 25 problems.

GOOD LUCK!