BAAO Astro Round 2
Rated Expert, This invitation-only three-hour astrophysics paper is the final written competition stage before the Oxford training and UK-team selection camp. Entry is limited to eligible top performers from Astro Round 1 or students invited to BPhO Round 2, and schools supervise the sitting. The main challenge is solving sustained, near-international-level astrophysics problems that demand high-level mathematical physics, specialist preparation and careful explanation.
Verified information
Competition details can change. Always confirm dates, eligibility and entry requirements on the official organiser's website.
Official website ↗OVERALL COMPETITION LEVEL
Expert Level
6 evaluation dimensions have source-backed automatic scores; 0 dimensions need conflict review.
Competition overview
Key information
Eligible ages
Up to 18
School level
Secondary
Registration method
Qualification Required
Competition stages
Invitation-only UK IOAA selection round leading toward the Oxford Training Camp
Fee
Free; invitation only.
Online / in-person
In-person
Dates
Competition timeline
Registration opens
Not yet announced by the organiser
Registration closes
Not yet announced by the organiser
Competition starts
25 Jan 2027
Competition ends
27 Jan 2027
Editorial perspective
Our Take
The British Physics Olympiad is a charitable trust run by volunteer physics teachers and academics. BAAO Astro Round 2 is the invitation-only written stage immediately before the training camp. There is no paid route into the paper, and the small field is drawn from eligible high performers in the preceding astronomy paper or students also invited through the physics olympiad route. The problems sit close to international olympiad demand. Students should expect to combine mathematical physics, astronomy knowledge and careful modelling over a long sitting, while accepting that partial work on a difficult problem can still be meaningful. The top 14 students from Astro Round 2 are invited to the Oxford Training Camp, where the final five-person UK team is selected.
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