Explore student competitions.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Beginner, this free UK poetry competition is for children attending nursery or preschool settings, with entries submitted through their setting. Children create a first poem for judging, possible publication and prizes. The main challenge is helping very young writers express an original idea in their own words while keeping the activity playful and age appropriate.

QUICK SUMMARY

Difficulty varies by division from Intermediate to Expert, A free series of timed online algorithmic programming contests with Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum divisions. Online contests welcome participants worldwide. New contestants begin in Bronze, while U.S. pre-college rules apply to training-camp and international-team selection. The main challenge is turning algorithmic ideas into correct, efficient programs under contest conditions; higher divisions require promotion and deeper techniques.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Expert, this senior national mathematics contest is for eligible secondary students in Ireland and is connected to further selection for the Irish International Mathematical Olympiad team. Participants sit a proof-based final at enrichment centres. The main challenge is constructing rigorous solutions to unfamiliar problems across geometry, number theory, combinatorics and algebra.

QUICK SUMMARY

A UK coding competition where students create programmed solutions to computational thinking problems using block-based or text-based coding. Open to students aged 10+ who previously participated in the UK Bebras Challenge, through their school or as home-educated entrants. Rated Advanced Level, with difficulty mainly coming from algorithmic thinking, coding accuracy and solving problems within the 45-minute limit.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Intermediate, this Irish school mathematics quiz is for teams of four Junior Cycle students studying Higher Level Mathematics, with a limit on teams per school. Regional rounds lead to a national final. The main challenge is solving varied questions accurately at speed while sharing work, communicating reasoning and checking answers as a coordinated team.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Expert, this UK team competition is typically for groups of four to six students aged 16–19 with an adult supervisor. Teams receive a kit, design and build an autonomous robot over several months, then compete through league and knockout stages. The main challenge is integrating mechanical design, electronics, software, testing, project management and resilient teamwork.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Intermediate, this free in-person showcase welcomes young technology creators aged 18 or under from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Individuals or teams of up to five present projects using code, computers or digital technology. The challenge is combining technical complexity with thoughtful design, usability and a clear explanation for judges and visitors.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Expert, this international pre-college science and engineering fair is not open through direct public entry. Students in Years 9–12 or equivalent must first qualify through an affiliated fair that can nominate supported projects. The main challenge is completing rigorous original research, documenting methods and evidence, and defending the project clearly before specialist judges.

QUICK SUMMARY

An international biology competition where students complete two online papers covering first-year post-16 biology and unfamiliar problem-solving topics. Open to students in Year 12 or equivalent worldwide through recognised schools or colleges. Rated Advanced Level, with difficulty mainly coming from broad biological knowledge, novel applications and scientific reasoning.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Advanced, National History Day asks students to research a themed historical topic and present an argument in one of five formats. Students in grades 6–12 enter through school or an affiliate and must qualify for the National Contest. The main challenge is sustained research, original historical analysis, source documentation, and clear category-specific communication.

QUICK SUMMARY

Make a Difference Challenge is a school-based social-action programme for UK primary pupils aged 5–11, delivered through classroom resources and regional kick-start activity. Schools enrol participating classes rather than individual entrants. The main challenge is identifying a real community issue, planning a practical response and working together to turn pupils' ideas into sustained, explainable action.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Expert, A team robotics competition in which students design, build and program a robot for an annual game, matches and judged awards. For ages 12-18 (grades 7-12) through a registered team with adult coaches or mentors; costs and events vary by region. Teams integrate mechanics, electronics, programming, testing, strategy and judge communication across a long season; reliability is the main challenge.