Cambridge Chemistry Challenge (C3L6)

Our Take

CompeteMap's editorial perspective, based on our research and competition guide.

Publicly indexed timeline pages currently show historical cycles; current-season dates should be confirmed after teacher login or official announcement. C3L6 is an advanced chemistry challenge, not a beginner science activity. It is usually entered through schools, so students should ask teachers early. It suits students who already enjoy chemistry and want harder problems. Preparation should focus on reasoning, not memorising more facts. A mistake log can make practice much more effective. Students who enjoy C3L6 may later explore the UK Chemistry Olympiad. Students who prefer research projects may prefer science fairs such as SciFest or Stripe YSTE.

Trust Metadata

Last checked at: 5 Jul 2026

Verification status: Verified

Source URLs

• https://c3l6.com/
• https://www.c3l6.com/auth/register
• https://www.c3l6.com/app/pages/home

Why this listing is included

• Official registration page requires school teacher account and school email verification.
• C3L6 pages describe the challenge as Lower Sixth focused.
• Competition Timeline for 2026
• Mon 01 Sep 2025
• Registrations open
• When teachers are able to register their students for this years competition (to do so, click the button in the pink banner that will appear after having logged in).
• Fri 29 May 2026
• Deadline to register your school
• You must have registered for this year's competition by this date to receive the paper.
• Mon 01 Jun 2026
• Exam circulation date
• Exam papers will be EMAILED to the registered and approved Principal Contact.
• Tue 02 Jun 2026
• Competition window open
• This is the first date that students can sit the paper.
• Fri 19 Jun 2026
• Competition window close
• This is the last date that students can sit the paper.
• Fri 19 Jun 2026
• Mark scheme published
• The mark scheme for the competition will be EMAILED to the Principal Contact.
• Thu 25 Jun 2026
• Mark entry deadline
• Teachers must enter student marks on-line up to midnight on this date.
• Fri 26 Jun 2026
• Return of high scoring scripts
• Please post high scoring scripts to arrive by this date.
• Mon 29 Jun 2026
• Final results published date
• All results will be finalised and published on-line. Certificates will be POSTED to the Principal Contact by Royal Mail during the following week.

Related Competitions

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Preparing for competitions

Read our student competition guides for pathways, timelines, and tips.