Explore student competitions.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Advanced, This one-hour, non-calculator physics paper uses multiple-choice problems as the entry stage for the main British Physics Olympiad pathway. It is intended for strong pre-university physics students and is entered through a registered teacher, with successful candidates invited to Round 1. The main challenge is moving quickly from standard A-level knowledge into harder calculations, elimination and unfamiliar problem solving without a calculator.

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Rated Expert, This two-hour national astrophysics paper combines many short problems with a choice of extended questions and begins the UK astronomy team-selection route. It is open through schools to Year 13 students and younger, but it best suits confident A-level physicists prepared to study additional astronomy material. The main challenge is sustaining rigorous mathematical reasoning across celestial mechanics, stellar physics, optics and cosmology while selecting longer problems strategically.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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An Ireland-based space engineering competition where student teams design, build and launch a miniature satellite inside a drinks-can-sized structure. Open to Transition Year and senior-cycle students through participating schools. Rated Advanced Level, with difficulty mainly coming from electronics, programming, engineering design, teamwork and mission testing.

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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.

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A global STEM award framework where students complete practical activities or independent research and engineering projects at different levels. Open to young people worldwide, with award levels ranging from Star to Gold. Rated Beginner to Expert Level, with difficulty depending on the chosen award level, project depth and degree of independent work.

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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.