Three Ripon Grammar students have been placed among the top 50 young economists in the country.
George Jennings, Ray Cho and Manya Rajeeva have secured places in the national final of the prestigious Economics Olympiad.
The lower sixth form trio will be heading to London in June after impressing in the fiercely competitive regional round, which attracted students from across Yorkshire and beyond.
Regarded as one of the UK’s most demanding academic competitions for aspiring economists, the Olympiad, which attracts thousands of entrants, tests students’ analytical thinking, problem-solving and ability to apply economic theories and concepts to real-world scenarios.
High-performing contestants can progress to international rounds against competitors from around the globe.
Pitted against Year 13 as well as Year 12 students, the RGS trio confessed that having to problem-solve using economic theories learnt at advanced A-level was a challenge.
A delighted Manya, from Yarm, who studies maths, further maths, chemistry and economics, said:
“I was honestly so surprised and excited to have made it through."
Hoping to study economics at university next year, she said the scale of the competition made qualifying even more rewarding.
The 16-year-old boarding student, who also plays flute, dances and debates, believes mastering the more advanced content will be key to success in the final round.
She said:
“Our biggest challenge will be getting on top of this so that we can apply it in the next round.”
Ray, from Ripon, studying economics, maths, further maths and politics, said the competition presented many unfamiliar challenges, particularly questions covering the history of economic thinkers.
The 17-year-old, who hopes to study at the London School of Economics and balances his studies with playing piano and badminton and bar mock trial competitions, admitted he was thrilled to qualify for the final, particularly as competitors included Year 13 students.
He said:
“I was pleasantly surprised considering we were up against upper sixth formers as well."
He, Manya and George, 17, from South Stainley outside Harrogate, are now looking forward to competing on a national stage, with the possibility of international selection still within reach.
Ray remains realistically optimistic:
“Getting through to the international round would be incredible but I have low expectations given the competition.
"Whatever happens, happens and I think we’ll be quite pleased with ourselves regardless.”
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