PUPILS from Hanley Castle High School have made it to the final of an international maths challenge.

They will pit themselves against 31 other schools from England, Scotland, Spain and Qatar as part of a world final.

Pupils will have two hours to plan and set up a F1 car, using only the equipment provided for them on the day.

Decisions and calculations involved in the challenge include classifying the features of a racetrack, determining the best gearbox ratios, aerodynamic downforce, engine tuning and suspension adjustment, calculating safe speeds, as well as planning an effective pit stop strategy by considering the weather forecast and track conditions.

Callum O’Hagan and Sam Powell, from year 8, will go on to the final on Wednesday, June 22 at the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire.

The challenge has been funded by local business QinetiQ who have been involved regularly via the lunchtime maths in motion club.

Headteacher Lindsey Cooke said: "We are so proud of all of our teams that have competed in this global challenge, and hope very much that our finalists can put Hanley Castle on the world map.

"It is a credit to our students and their hard work that has enabled such success at an international level."