A LINTON student has scooped first prize in the East Anglia region of the Schools Fantasy Football League.

Schools Fantasy League (schoolsfl.com) was set up in 1999 to promote ICT and maths skills by encouraging students and teachers to play the role of a football manager throughout the season. Over 1,400 schools and 47,000 students took part during the 2010-11 season.

Thomas Wrenn, 15, a student at Linton Village College (LVC), won the regional competition. His team, Abbey Superstars, finished the season in 28th place in the UK with a total of 442 points.

LVC maths teacher Will Scheilling said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Tom. He is a very modest and hard working student and deserves this success.

“Fantasy football is an excellent example of using mathematical and statistical skills outside of the classroom in a competitive and fun way.”

Students from LVC have also achieved success in the Junior Maths Challenge, organised by the UK Mathematics Trust (ukmt.org.uk) for students in years six, seven and eight.

Over 235,000 pupils from across the UK sat the exam in May, testing their mathematical ability, logic and thinking skills. LVC students achieved their best results ever, with eight pupils gaining the gold award, 22 silver and 28 bronze, meaning that over half of those students who entered the challenge received an award.

Jonah Munday, 13, was the top placed student at LVC and one of 1,200 students nationally to be put through to the next round, the Junior Mathematical Olympiad.

“It is great to see so much success and the Junior Maths Challenge promotes fun and enjoyment in maths for our students,” added Mr Scheilling.