A nine-year-old pupil at Four Marks CE Primary School has followed up his win in a free global online English competition with victory in its mathematics equivalent.

Riaan Bonnyson Macwan was the level 7 winner in the British Youth International College’s ninth annual International Maths Olympiad.

The eight-day competition for children aged four to 14 attracted thousands of entrants from around the world and ran from March 19 to 26, ending with the winners being announced on World Maths Day.

The Olympiad, based on the college’s Abacus Maths programme, required children to answer 50 questions in an hour. Level winners received a certificate and a trophy.

Riaan’s parents, Bonnyson and Vaibhavi Macwan, said: “We are extremely happy with our son’s achievement. His maths confidence has increased manifold since the time he joined Abacus Maths. He loves working in the app and the constant feedback and exciting games keep him hooked.”

College founder Dr Rashmi Mantri said: “Congratulations to all our remarkable winners. Every child who took part showed commitment, discipline and a real passion for learning.

“Our Olympiad aligns perfectly with World Maths Day, reminding us that maths is a universal language that connects us all.

“Youngsters thrive when they are challenged, and competitions like this help develop resilience, problem-solving skills, focus and confidence - abilities that will benefit them throughout life.

“We are incredibly proud of the effort and enthusiasm shown by every participant.”

In December Riaan won the level 5 award in the college’s fifth annual one-day International English Olympiad for children aged five to 15, which covered reading, listening, writing and comprehension.

Commenting on that earlier success at the time, Riaan’s parents said he was preparing for 11+ exams and him winning the competition made them feel “happy and secure knowing that he'll for sure thrive in a grammar school”.