The Grey Kangaroo is one of the most popular follow-on rounds offered by the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT) after the Intermediate Mathematical Challenge (IMC). Students who score highly in the IMC but fall just below the Pink Kangaroo threshold are invited to take the Grey Kangaroo. For many learners, this is their first experience with a higher-level, reasoning-based maths competition.
If you are searching for Grey Kangaroo past papers, solutions, difficulty explanations, or preparation strategies, this guide covers everything you need.
What Is the Grey Kangaroo?
The Grey Kangaroo is an invitation-only maths challenge designed for students in Years 9–11 (ages 13–16). It serves as an intermediate step between the IMC and harder competitions like the Maths Olympiad.
Key Details
| Feature | Description |
| Organiser | UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT) |
| Eligible Students | IMC high scorers |
| Format | 25 multiple-choice questions |
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Difficulty | Slightly easier than Pink Kangaroo |
| Marking | No penalty for wrong answers |
The aim of the Grey Kangaroo is to develop mathematical thinking, problem-solving ability, and logical reasoning.
⭐ Why Are Grey Kangaroo Past Papers Important?
Practicing Grey Kangaroo past papers is one of the most effective ways to understand the question style and improve performance. These papers reveal the structure, difficulty pattern, and typical logic-based problems students encounter.
Benefits of Using Past Papers
✔ Improve confidence before the real competition
✔ Learn to solve multi-step reasoning questions
✔ Strengthen algebra, geometry, and combinatorics skills
✔ Understand time management during a 60-minute exam
✔ Recognize common problem-solving patterns
For students aiming to qualify for the Pink Kangaroo in the future, Grey Kangaroo practice provides the perfect stepping stone.
📘 Where to Find Grey Kangaroo Past Papers
Past papers can typically be found through:
- UKMT’s official Past Papers archive
- School maths department resources
- Educational websites hosting UKMT challenges
- UKMT preparation booklets
- Maths competition forums and study groups
Search terms like “Grey Kangaroo past papers pdf” or “UKMT Grey Kangaroo past papers” are especially helpful.
📝 Grey Kangaroo Paper Format Explained
Just like the Pink Kangaroo, the Grey Kangaroo exam has 25 multiple-choice questions, each increasing in difficulty.
Question Structure
- Questions 1–10: Basic logic, number puzzles, simple algebra
- Questions 11–20: More layered reasoning, geometry, sequences
- Questions 21–25: Hardest problems requiring careful thought
Marking Scheme
- Correct answer: +4 marks
- Incorrect answer: 0 marks
- Blank answer: 0 marks
Unlike earlier UKMT challenges, there is no negative marking, making guessing a strategic option for harder questions.
🎯 How Grey Kangaroo Differs from Pink Kangaroo
| Grey Kangaroo | Pink Kangaroo |
| Slightly easier level | More advanced & challenging |
| For good IMC scorers | For top IMC scorers |
| Great for skill building | Great for high-level problem solving |
If you’re preparing for future high-ranking maths competitions, Grey Kangaroo is an excellent training ground.
🔍 What You Learn from Grey Kangaroo Past Papers
Past papers expose you to the exact style of questions the exam favors.
Common Topics Covered
- Fractions, ratios, and percentages
- Algebraic manipulation
- Geometric reasoning
- Number theory basics
- Sequences and patterns
- Logic and combinatorics puzzles
- Coordinate geometry
- Spatial reasoning
Students who practice widely across these topics tend to perform better.
💡 Tips for Scoring High in the Grey Kangaroo
- Start with Past Papers
They are the most accurate representation of the exam.
- Build a Strategy
Do questions in order:
- Attempt Q1–15 confidently
- Spend medium effort on Q16–20
- Save Q21–25 for last
- Use Elimination Techniques
Even in hard questions, wrong options can be removed quickly.
- Practice Without a Calculator
The Kangaroo competitions do not allow calculators.
- Strengthen Core Topics
Especially:
- Algebraic patterns
- Geometry basics
- Ratios & logic puzzles
📅 Grey Kangaroo 2025 – What to Expect
The Grey Kangaroo 2025 exam will follow the same traditional format of 60 minutes and 25 questions. Cut-off scores for IMC 2025 will determine eligibility.
Once the exam is completed, UKMT will release:
- Answer sheet
- Solutions booklet
- Final scoring details
We will update you when 2025 papers become available.
🧠 Example Grey Kangaroo-Style Question
(Created for illustration — not from official papers)
Q: A sequence starts with 4. Each term is double the previous term minus 3.
What is the 4th term?
This question involves:
- Recursion
- Pattern recognition
- Logical deduction
This is the level of thinking needed to excel.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Grey Kangaroo?
A follow-on UKMT challenge for high IMC scorers.
Are Grey Kangaroo past papers available?
Yes, they can be found through UKMT and several educational sites.
Is Grey Kangaroo hard?
It is moderately challenging—more difficult than the IMC but easier than the Pink Kangaroo.
How do I prepare for the Grey Kangaroo?
Use past papers, strengthen algebra/geometry, and practice under timed conditions.
Can you guess answers?
Yes — there is no penalty for wrong answers.
Final Thoughts
The Grey Kangaroo is a brilliant opportunity for students to push their mathematical abilities beyond the basics. With consistent practice using Grey Kangaroo past papers, students can significantly improve reasoning skills, perform better in the real exam, and advance toward more challenging competitions.