Explore student competitions.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Intermediate, this international online writing competition is open to eligible Commonwealth participants aged 18 or under, using the published age category and topic. Entrants submit an individual original response. The main challenge is interpreting a broad theme with a distinctive perspective, then controlling voice, structure and detail well enough to engage readers across different Commonwealth contexts.

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Wild Wonders is a UK poetry competition for young writers aged 4–18, with schools or families using the published submission route. Entrants create an original nature-themed poem for judging, possible publication and prizes. The main challenge is choosing vivid, specific language and shaping a complete response that feels personal while remaining clear within the competition's length guidance.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Advanced, this free online photography competition is open to Commonwealth nationals and residents aged 18–30. Entrants submit their own images and supporting information through the competition platform. The main challenge is producing an original, technically controlled photograph that responds convincingly to the theme and communicates a clear visual story to an international judging panel.

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A UK economics writing competition where students propose evidence-based responses to major global economic challenges. Open to students aged 14–18 studying at UK secondary schools or British international schools. Rated Intermediate Level, with difficulty mainly coming from economic analysis, policy evaluation and clear, persuasive writing.

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A UK economics competition where students analyse a contemporary economic issue through a written, video, podcast or presentation entry. Open to Year 10–13 students, or equivalent, studying in the UK, entering individually or in teams of up to five. Rated Advanced Level, with difficulty mainly coming from economic analysis, evidence-based argument and competitive national judging.

QUICK SUMMARY

This British chess-problem competition begins with a two-move puzzle submitted by email or post, followed by a harder postal round and an in-person final for leading solvers and juniors. Eligible British residents enter individually. The main challenge is analysing composed positions precisely, proving the intended solution and spotting defences without moving the pieces experimentally.

QUICK SUMMARY

A UK acoustics competition where young people create a short video exploring sound, noise or vibration. Open to individuals or teams of up to five aged 13–25 in the UK. Rated **Intermediate Level**, with difficulty mainly coming from combining scientific understanding with clear and creative communication.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Beginner, this UK primary competition invites pupils aged 7–11 to explore sound through handmade artwork, entering individually or in groups of up to four through a school or education group. Entries are judged by a specialist panel. The main challenge is turning scientific observation about pleasant sounds and unwanted noise into a clear, imaginative visual response.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Advanced, this UKMT follow-on challenge is for senior students who qualify through the Senior Mathematical Challenge or receive discretionary entry through a UK school. The 60-minute paper contains 20 integer-answer problems. Success depends on choosing efficient methods, maintaining accuracy across unfamiliar topics and checking three-digit answers without relying on multiple-choice options.

QUICK SUMMARY

A UK mathematical olympiad where students solve six demanding proof-based problems. Open to eligible secondary-school students who qualify through the Senior Mathematical Challenge or are entered at their school’s discretion. Rated Expert Level, with difficulty mainly coming from advanced problem-solving, rigorous written proofs and selective progression to BMO Round 2.

QUICK SUMMARY

A UK mathematical olympiad where students solve demanding proof-based problems across two rounds. Open to full-time secondary-school students through registered UKMT centres, with progression based mainly on performance in the Senior Mathematical Challenge and BMO Round 1. Rated Expert Level, with difficulty mainly coming from advanced problem-solving, rigorous proofs and highly selective progression.

QUICK SUMMARY

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.