In August last year, almost 19,000 students from more than 310 schools across regional NSW took part in the 38th event, with 2019 shaping up to be even bigger.

The competition was popular in Muswellbrook in 2018, with four schools participating, in which a total of 295 local Year 5 and 6 students tested their math mettle in the 35-question paper completed without the use of a calculator, ruler, or any other mathematical instrument.

Newcastle Permanent's branch manager Addie Parker said she wanted local schools to show the rest what they could do while having fun with maths.

"I'm so proud to be a part of the Muswellbrook community and I believe that we have many students in our region who really enjoy maths and like to test their problem-solving skills," she explained.

"I'm urging all our local primary schools - private and public - to get on board with the Newcastle Permanent Primary School Mathematics Competition.

"To be part of it, schools need to register before Friday, May 10.

"I urge students and parents to contact their school principal if they'd like to participate.

"The competition is for all skill levels and encourages pupils to become enthusiastic about maths, challenging them to rely on their problem-solving skills, and creating a fun opportunity to apply maths to real-life settings.

"The top performing students in each region are invited to our annual awards presentations to celebrate their achievements with their family and other maths whizzes, with selected young mathematicians invited to attend the annual Maths Camp to further enhance their mathematical talent.

"In 2018, we had a great result in Muswellbrook with Darcy Large from St James' Primary School receiving the Wollemi District Year 5 Award."

The Newcastle Permanent Primary School Mathematics Competition is open to all primary school students in Year 5 and 6 with awards for the winners in each region.

More information and past exam papers and answers can be found at www.newcastlepermanent.com.au/maths-comp