Readers set challenge as Taskmaster Education launches new free maths club for schools in Leeds

Using the hit TV show’s unique brand of chaos and creativity, Taskmaster Education has launched a new Maths Club series, created in collaboration with the Leeds City of Maths team, to give students more ways to succeed with maths.

In a major coup for the region, Leeds schools now have the opportunity to access the new Taskmaster Maths Club for free with funded subscriptions that will bring it into local classrooms as part of the two-year City of Maths programme, running in Leeds throughout 2026 and 2027.

Ali Struthers, Co-founder of Taskmaster Education, said: “The format of the TV show, Taskmaster, is a brilliant vehicle for education by enabling children to use their unique talents and skills to contribute to winning all important points for their teams.

Taskmaster Education is delighted to have partnered with Leeds City of Maths to bring Taskmaster Maths Club to schools across the region, encouraging children to take innovative, fun and creative approaches to solving a variety of engaging tasks.”

Available to Leeds schools at no cost for three months, the club will provide a high-energy way to show that maths is creative, surprising, and a whole lot of fun, while helping to meet curriculum goals through lateral thinking.

To mark this special launch in Leeds, the Yorkshire Evening Post asked City of Maths to set some challenges to get readers in the mood for some Taskmaster maths.

• Can you take your T-shirt off… without taking your jumper off?
• Can you draw… the roundest circle - freehand?
• If you’re warmed up and ready for something a bit more challenging: what’s the coolest experiment you can do with a balloon?

The free Taskmaster Maths Club package includes six specially curated episodes, where under the guidance of the teacher (acting as the Taskmaster), pupils will work in teams to complete tasks set by the show’s creator, Alex Horne, filmed at the iconic Taskmaster house.

To ensure no Leeds schools miss out, City of Maths is covering the cost of Taskmaster Maths Club access as part of its wider programme of funded maths resources and support across the region. Secondary schools and as many primary schools as possible are invited to claim their free subscription.