Explore student competitions.

QUICK SUMMARY

A UK physics olympiad where top students solve exceptionally challenging theoretical physics problems requiring advanced mathematical reasoning. Open by invitation to leading BPhO Round 1 performers who are eligible for UK team selection. Rated Expert Level, with difficulty mainly coming from advanced physics, complex multi-step problems and highly selective progression to national training.

QUICK SUMMARY

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.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Intermediate, This school-run physics quiz uses two short online papers covering core topics, practical awareness and everyday physical reasoning. It is aimed mainly at UK Year 10 students, with Year 9 and Year 11 also allowed, and entries are organised and supervised by teachers. The main challenge is answering a broad mix of unfamiliar multiple-choice questions accurately under two timed sessions.

QUICK SUMMARY

A UK physics competition where younger secondary students solve accessible physics problems designed to develop scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills. Open mainly to students in Years 7–8 through participating schools. Rated Intermediate Level, with difficulty mainly coming from applying basic physics ideas in unfamiliar contexts and reasoning beyond routine classroom questions.

QUICK SUMMARY

A UK short story competition where young writers submit an original work of fiction of up to 1,000 words. Open to young people aged 14–18 living in the UK. Rated Advanced Level, with difficulty mainly coming from originality, narrative craft and highly competitive national judging.

QUICK SUMMARY

An international STEM award where students complete a hands-on research or engineering project over around 10 hours. Typically aimed at students aged 11–14, working individually or in groups. Rated Intermediate Level, with difficulty mainly coming from planning an investigation, carrying out practical work and explaining results clearly.

QUICK SUMMARY

An international STEM award where students complete a short, team-based project focused on investigation, problem-solving and communication. Typically aimed at students aged 10–14 and completed over one day or around five hours. Rated Beginner Level, with difficulty mainly coming from teamwork, practical problem-solving and presenting a clear project outcome.

QUICK SUMMARY

An international STEM award where students complete an extended research or engineering project over around 30 hours. Typically aimed at students aged 14–16, working individually or in groups. Rated Intermediate Level, with difficulty mainly coming from independent project planning, sustained investigation and evaluating results against clear scientific or engineering goals.

QUICK SUMMARY

An international introductory STEM award where young children complete a series of hands-on science and problem-solving activities. Typically aimed at ages 3–7 and available through schools, organisations or at home. Rated Beginner Level, with difficulty mainly coming from completing six practical challenges and explaining simple observations.

QUICK SUMMARY

An international STEM award where primary-age students complete a series of hands-on science and engineering challenges. Typically aimed at ages 7–11 and available through schools, organisations or at home. Rated Beginner Level, with difficulty mainly coming from practical investigation, teamwork and explaining observations.

QUICK SUMMARY

Greenpower is a hands-on engineering pathway in which school, college and other eligible teams build electric cars for age-appropriate Goblin, F24 or F24+ events. Teams obtain or construct a vehicle and prepare it for race days. The main challenge is combining safe engineering, efficient design, reliable assembly, testing and coordinated teamwork over a substantial build period.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Advanced, these subject essay prizes are intended for eligible secondary students who submit individual written work online. Because annual subjects and eligibility can change, entrants should confirm the current Peterhouse page before choosing a question. The main challenge is developing an independent argument, selecting convincing evidence and sustaining precise academic writing within the stated brief.