British Algorithmic Olympiad (BAO)
Rated Advanced, this algorithmic competition serves lower and upper secondary students in British schools. Participants begin with an online open round, and leading performers progress to a final. The central challenge is translating unfamiliar problems into precise algorithms, implementing efficient solutions and testing them carefully enough to perform reliably under competition time limits.
Verified information
Competition details can change. Always confirm dates, eligibility and entry requirements on the official organiser's website.
Official website ↗OVERALL COMPETITION LEVEL
Advanced Level
1 evaluation dimensions have source-backed automatic scores; 0 dimensions need conflict review.
Competition overview
Key information
Eligible ages
Up to 18
School level
Lower and Upper Secondary
Registration method
School or Individual
Competition stages
Open Round (online algorithmic challenge) followed by Finals for top participants/teams
Fee
Not yet announced by the organiser
Online / in-person
Online
Dates
Competition timeline
Registration opens
Not yet announced by the organiser
Registration closes
5 Dec 2025
Competition starts
8 Dec 2025
Competition ends
11 Dec 2025
Editorial perspective
Our Take
The British Algorithmic Olympiad is built around a boundary that school subjects often keep separate. Its official syllabus combines pure and discrete mathematics with computer science, then asks students to express reasoning in algorithmic form. The result is neither a conventional maths paper nor a standard programming contest. A student has to recognise structure before deciding how a process should work. Past papers make that identity clear. Problems use objects such as binary operations, graphs and combinatorial systems, where the central task is to model a rule and follow its consequences. Programming experience helps, but the organiser does not require knowledge of computer hardware, networks or computing ethics. Schools mark the open round using supplied guidance, so clear reasoning matters alongside the final result. CompeteMap would recommend BAO to students who enjoy both mathematical problem solving and the question “How could this be automated?” It can also motivate a strong mathematician to develop programming, but it is not a substitute for learning basic syntax under calm conditions first.
Read full guide →Preparation support
Recommended resources
BAO Past Olympiads
Open resource ↗Official archive of competition papers, mark schemes and examiner reports for full timed practice.
Official · Free · Past papers & mark schemes · Essential
BAO Syllabus
Open resource ↗The official topic list spanning pure and discrete mathematics, algorithms and programming knowledge.
Official · Free · Syllabus PDF · Essential
About the BAO
Open resource ↗Official explanation of the paper format, expected background, syllabus scope and school administration.
Official · Free · Competition overview · Recommended
Source information
Related competitions
Mathematics & Problem Solving · Advanced Level
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