To mark National Numeracy Day, students at New Hall School in Chelmsford welcomed television presenter and mathematician Rachel Riley for two days of inspiring talks, puzzles and problem-solving activities. Best known as the numbers expert on Channel 4’s Countdown, Rachel spoke to students from Pre-Prep through to Sixth Form about the importance of resilience, curiosity and mathematical thinking, using interactive demonstrations, audience participation and personal stories to show how mathematics underpins everything from technology and engineering to television and sport.

Speaking during the event, Rachel said: “Maths isn’t about being the fastest or the cleverest; it is about spotting patterns, solving problems, and not giving up. If it can take me from a school in Southend to strange and wonderful places on TV and in science, it can open doors for anyone willing to try.”

The excitement continued on the second day as Rachel joined New Hall School’s Year 5 Educational Day, Mysteries, Codes and Curious Minds, designed for prospective students interested in joining Year 7 in September 2027.

More than 100 visiting students became junior agents in the fictional NH5 Intelligence Agency as part of Operation Tudor Code, an immersive mathematics and computer science experience inspired by cryptography, logic and Tudor history.

Working in teams, students rotated through a series of activities led by staff from the Mathematics and Computer Science Departments, tackling challenges involving ciphers, binary, coordinate grids, number patterns, logical reasoning and computational thinking. Throughout the morning, students collected clues and puzzle pieces as they worked collaboratively to crack codes and complete their final mission, before being congratulated by “Agent Riley” at the end of the day.

Mrs Katherine Jeffrey, Principal of New Hall School, said: “It was a privilege to welcome Rachel Riley to New Hall to mark National Numeracy Day through two such inspiring days of learning. At New Hall, we are passionate about giving students opportunities to explore Mathematics, Science and Computer Science in creative, engaging and real-world contexts. Rachel’s visit brought these subjects to life in such a memorable way, and both our students and visiting families thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”

New Hall has a strong record of success in securing places at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, with recent alumni (Old Fishes) going on to read Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Computer Science, Mathematics, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences and Physics. Notable alumni include Gina Rippon, Emeritus Professor of Cognitive Neuroimaging at Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment, Aston University, and Ning Ding, a Research Scientist at EDURINO, an EdTech start-up.

Rachel Riley’s visit to New Hall School formed part of the School’s wider commitment to promoting curiosity, problem-solving and a love of learning across all age groups. New Hall School’s Year 7 Taster Day will take place on Saturday 3 October 2026, offering prospective students the opportunity to experience a range of academic subjects, sport and co-curricular activities, while meeting teachers, current students and other children considering joining Year 7 at New Hall in September 2027.