International Olympiad call-ups for Sixth Formers

Sixth Formers Kevin Lee and Sherman Yip are the latest Tonbridge students who have been chosen to represent the UK at prestigious academic competitions. 

(Kevin is pictured second from left, and Sherman third from left, receiving medals following the British Maths Olympiad, alongside fellow students Godwyn Lai and Isaac King.) 

Kevin (MH5) has been selected as a member of a team of four to represent the country at the 2020 International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI). The IOI is one of the most prestigious computer science competitions in the world for secondary school students, and as well as testing their knowledge it allows exceptionally talented pupils to share scientific and cultural experiences.

Previously Kevin took part in the British Informatics Olympiad (BIO), a three-hour exam, taken at school, in which students solve problems with the aid of a computer. These are marked by a teacher and submitted for moderation. Based on the results of this exam, the top 15 competitors were invited to the BIO final in Cambridge during the Easter holidays, with the best four then selected for the team to represent Britain. 

The International Olympiad in Informatics was originally due to take place in Singapore next month, but it has now been announced that the competition will be held online later this year.

Sherman (HS4) has been selected as one of a team of six to represent the UK at the International Maths Olympiad later this year. His outstanding performances in the various qualifying events (including a gold medal and a 100 per cent score in the first round of the British Maths Olympiad) secured his place, and it means that Sherman becomes the first Tonbridgian to represent the school at the International Maths Olympiad. 

The event has been delayed until September, in the hope that competitors can attend the St Petersburg venue in person: if not, it will take place online.

Kevin and Sherman join Ben Burgess (WW5) in receiving an international call-up. In May 2020 Ben was selected for the British team entering the International Physics Olympiad, making this a vintage year all-round for Tonbridge in these high-level competitions, which are renowned for their academic rigour and highly competitive selection process.

James Priory, Tonbridge’s Headmaster, said: “These are fantastic achievements by Kevin, Sherman and Ben, and I wish them all the very best of luck as they prepare to compete on the international stage. Their success is also a tribute to their teachers here at Tonbridge, for supporting and encouraging them at every step.” 

Pictured below: Ben Burgess.