Science & Research Competition Pathway for United Kingdom

QUICK SUMMARY

A UK physics competition where Year 13 students solve structured problems using advanced school-level physics and mathematical reasoning. Open to Year 13 students through participating schools. Rated Advanced Level, with difficulty mainly coming from multi-step calculations, unfamiliar applications and clear written working.

QUICK SUMMARY

An international STEM award where students complete a long-term, self-directed research or engineering project. Typically suited to students aged 16+, working individually or in groups. Rated Advanced Level, with difficulty mainly coming from the 70-hour commitment, independent project management and external assessment against advanced criteria.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Advanced, This school-invigilated astronomy and physics paper combines multiple-choice, short-response and longer analytical questions in a one-hour format. It is for Year 13 students and younger who are studying physics or an equivalent A-level course, with teachers arranging entry and marking. The main challenge is applying familiar physics and data analysis to celestial mechanics, stars, cosmology and observational astronomy in unfamiliar contexts.

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.

QUICK SUMMARY

A UK space engineering competition where student teams design a crewed space settlement and present their proposal to industry-style judges. Open to students in Years 10–13, or equivalent, across the UK, usually in teams of 4–12. Rated Advanced Level, with difficulty mainly coming from multidisciplinary engineering design, teamwork, technical decision-making and competitive progression to the national final.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Advanced, this UK school team challenge is for eligible students in Years 8–11 and Sixth Form. Teams design, build and test a satellite model before regional activity and a national final. The main challenge is integrating electronics, programming, mechanical design, scientific measurement and project management into a robust device that can complete the published mission.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Advanced, this UK science and engineering competition is open to eligible secondary students from state-funded schools, home education or community groups. Entrants submit a project online before shortlisting, remote judging and a finalist showcase. The main challenge is carrying out credible work and explaining its purpose, evidence, limitations and impact persuasively to judges.

QUICK SUMMARY

A UK chemistry competition where students solve challenging written problems that extend beyond the standard school syllabus. Open to students in Year 12 or below through participating UK schools. Rated Advanced Level, with difficulty mainly coming from unfamiliar contexts, multi-step chemical reasoning and university-style problem-solving.