#2026-10-28 — Competitions and Education Briefing

United Kingdom

Scottish evaluation identifies barriers in secondary free-meal pilot

The Scottish Government published an evaluation of its free-school-meal pilot for S1–S3 pupils whose families receive Scottish Child Payment. Conducted across 60 schools in eight local authorities, the study found that most surveyed newly eligible families saved money and pupils commonly reported feeling less hungry. However, around half of surveyed parents receiving Scottish Child Payment were unaware of the pilot. The report says wider implementation would require improved data sharing, earlier communication and sufficient staffing, kitchen and dining capacity. Official evaluation

United States

South Carolina releases improved 2026 school report cards

South Carolina’s education department released its 2026 school report cards on 27 October. The number of schools rated Excellent increased from 270 to 320, while 52.3% of schools received Good or Excellent overall ratings and 9.9% were rated Below Average or Unsatisfactory. Nearly one-quarter of elementary schools improved their rating from 2025. The state’s on-time graduation rate reached 87.5%, its highest level in a decade, while 83% of high schools earned Good or Excellent ratings for college and career readiness. Official results

NSF opens support funding for the 2027 Presidential SI Challenge

The National Science Foundation announced supplemental funding intended to expand participation in the 2027 Presidential Super Intelligence Challenge. The nationwide competition is open to K–12 students entering individually or in teams with an adult leader, although the new funding opportunity is specifically for eligible holders of existing NSF awards. Supplements may support equipment, software, mentoring, student or educator stipends, transport and project showcases. Requests may not exceed $100,000 or 20% of the original award and must be submitted by 10 November 2026. Official NSF announcement · Funding details

International School Competitions

ITYM postpones problem release and team-registration deadline

The International Tournament of Young Mathematicians has revised its 2027 timetable, moving the research-problem release from 27 October to approximately 15:00 CET on 3 November and extending team registration from 31 October to 22:00 Armenia time on 7 November. Eligible teams comprise four to six high-school or first-year undergraduate students accompanied by one or two adult leaders; individual entry is unavailable. The tournament remains scheduled for 24–31 January 2027 in Tsaghkadzor, Armenia, with online participation available to teams unable to travel. Official tournament timetable