Recognised for their outstanding achievements are Oskar Morris from Hastings Public School who won the Year 6 District Award; and Lucy King from St Columba Anglican School won the year 5 District Award.

The exam saw over 17,500 students across 290 schools put their numeracy and problem solving skills to the test this August with zero help from calculators, rulers or other mathematical instruments.

Newcastle Permanent's chief customer experience and delivery officer, Paul Juergens, said it was pleasing to see so many students continue to excel in the exam four decades on from its inception in 1981.

"The Newcastle Permanent Primary School Mathematics Competition has been encouraging students to become enthusiastic about maths for 40 years and its great to see this exam continue to challenge the mathematics skills of over 17,500 young students," Mr Juergens said.

"We know this year has been a difficult year for students, teachers and parents but the outstanding results of Port Macquarie students clearly reflects continued dedication and commitment of many to learn and test themselves despite these external challenges."

Newcastle Permanent's senior branch manager, Adam Power, presented the winners with a special award and prize account to acknowledge their achievements.

"I'm very proud to meet and congratulate the bright young people who have shown themselves to be passionate about maths and its everyday application. It's clear these students have an aptitude for maths and we'll no doubt see big things from them in the future," Mr Power said.

The Newcastle Permanent Primary School Mathematics Competition is the largest and longest running competition of its kind in Australia.

Over half a million year 5 and 6 students have participated since its inception 40 years ago, providing them with the opportunity to gain invaluable problem solving skills.

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