Intermediate Biology Olympiad 2026 (UKBC)

Our Take

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

Registration for 2026 opens in April; targeted at first-year post-16 students in UK schools and equivalent year groups. A parent-friendly guide to the Intermediate Biology Olympiad, covering eligibility, school entry, format, difficulty, preparation resources and its place in the UKBC biology pathway. The 2026 Intermediate Biology Olympiad runs from 5 to 19 June 2026. It is aimed at students in their first year of post-16 education, including Y12 in England and Wales. Entry must be organised by a recognised school or college; students cannot register independently or sit it remotely from home. The competition consists of two 35-minute online papers completed under school supervision. Questions combine GCSE and first-year A-level biology with unfamiliar ideas and problem solving. It is a useful bridge between the Biology Challenge and British Biology Olympiad, but it is not a required selection stage for BBO or the International Biology Olympiad. Past papers, strong core knowledge, data interpretation and wider biological reading are the most useful preparation tools.

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Last checked at: 12 Jun 2026

Verification status: Verified

Source URLs

• https://ukbiologycompetitions.org/intermediate-biology-olympiad/

Why this listing is included

• Official UKBC page lists registration opening and June 2026 test window.
• Official UKBC page targets first-year post-16 students, including UK Year 12 and equivalent groups.
• Official UKBC branding and eligibility indicate a UK school competition route with equivalent international year groups.

Related Competitions

Similar competitions in International under Science.

Preparing for competitions

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