Explore student competitions.

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

An international religious education and creative arts competition where pupils respond to a set theme through art, writing, music, drama or digital media. Open to school-aged pupils worldwide, usually entering through their school. Rated Advanced Level, with difficulty mainly coming from thoughtful engagement with religious and ethical ideas, originality and clear creative expression.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Intermediate, this arts competition is for eligible state-school students aged 14–16 across the UK and Ireland. Participants submit one creative response, with shortlisted entrants invited to a further event before an overall winner is selected. The main challenge is interpreting the annual theme originally and presenting a technically controlled piece with a clear personal idea.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Advanced, this online visual-arts competition welcomes young people aged 18 or under across the island of Ireland. Entrants create an artwork, upload a digital entry and may be selected for the public gallery and awards. The main challenge is responding personally to the theme while demonstrating strong technique, originality and a clearly communicated artistic intention.

QUICK SUMMARY

UK Schools Music Festival offers primary and secondary pupils video-submission categories alongside selected live competition routes. Entrants use the school or individual process attached to their chosen instrument or category and must check its performance requirements. The main challenge is preparing a musically convincing interpretation, recording or performing it reliably, and responding confidently to formal adjudication.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Expert, this economics competition is for secondary students who enter individually and progress from regional qualification towards a UK national final and possible international pathway. It suits students with substantial subject knowledge. The main challenge is applying economic theory, quantitative reasoning and evidence to unfamiliar problems while making precise decisions under competitive conditions.

QUICK SUMMARY

This is an official in-person speedcubing competition in Galway with open-age entry, including school-age participants. Competitors register individually for selected puzzle events and should check the event page for capacity, fees and schedules. The main challenge is executing memorised solving methods quickly and accurately while managing nerves across timed rounds under World Cube Association rules.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Advanced, this Irish competition invites secondary students to submit original economics work through the published school or individual route. Entrants investigate an economic issue and present their reasoning for judging. The main challenge is framing a worthwhile question, applying economic concepts accurately and communicating evidence, analysis and conclusions in a coherent student-led project.

QUICK SUMMARY

This is an official in-person speedcubing competition in Dublin with open-age entry, including school-age participants. Competitors register individually for selected puzzle events and should check the event page for capacity, fees and schedules. The main challenge is executing memorised solving methods quickly and accurately while managing nerves across timed rounds under World Cube Association rules.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Beginner, this official in-person speedcubing competition in Rosslare Strand uses open-age individual entry, including school-age participants. Competitors select puzzle events and follow World Cube Association procedures. The main challenge is completing familiar solving sequences accurately under timed observation, handling competition nerves and learning to recover calmly when an attempt does not go to plan.

QUICK SUMMARY

This is an official in-person speedcubing competition in Wicklow with open-age entry, including school-age participants. Competitors register individually for selected puzzle events and should check the event page for capacity, fees and schedules. The main challenge is executing memorised solving methods quickly and accurately while managing nerves across timed rounds under World Cube Association rules.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Intermediate, this free UK art competition is aimed at children aged 4–7, with schools or parents able to submit entries through the published route. Young artists create a monster-themed drawing for judging, possible publication and prizes. The main challenge is turning an imaginative character idea into an expressive, complete picture that stands out clearly.