Competitions

British Informatics Olympiad

Competition · Computer Science / Engineering · Challenge

Algorithmic programming contest, practising algorithm design, problem analysis and program implementation.

Suggested timing: Year 10 to Year 11

USA Computing Olympiad

Competition · Computer Science / Engineering · Challenge

Tiered algorithm competitions, practising data structures, algorithm design and program implementation.

Suggested timing: Several sessions throughout the year; it is advisable to start as early as possible

John Locke Institute Essay Competition

Competition · Economics / Business · Challenge

Academic essay competitions, practising independent critical thinking, source analysis and argumentative writing.

Suggested timing: Usually the deadline is in the summer; it is advisable to prepare several months in advance

Marshall Society Economics Essay

Competition · Economics / Business · Challenge

An essay competition organised by a Cambridge University economics student society, testing economic understanding and analytical writing, suitable for students aiming for economics who want to demonstrate academic potential.

Suggested timing: Once a year

UKMT Senior Challenge → BMO

Competition · Mathematics · Challenge

Mathematical challenges and olympiad training, practising problem-solving, reasoning and proof. Eligibility is subject to the rules of the current competition.

Suggested timing: Progression round by round from autumn

Yau Science Award (Mathematics)

Competition · Mathematics · Challenge

Submitted as a research report; practises mathematical research, argument and academic writing.

Suggested timing: Held once a year; requires long-term preparation

British Physics Olympiad

Competition · Natural Sciences · Challenge

Physics Olympiad training, practising physical modelling, order-of-magnitude estimation, and multi-step reasoning.

Suggested timing: Autumn and winter

Kaggle Data Competitions

Competition · Computer Science / Engineering · Intermediate

Complete modelling, validation and analysis of results around the dataset; the competition requirements are governed by the rules of each problem.

Suggested timing: Arranged according to each competition question

National Economics Challenge

Competition · Economics / Business · Intermediate

A team-format economics knowledge competition covering microeconomics, macroeconomics and current affairs, suitable for systematically consolidating the foundations of economics and developing teamwork.

Suggested timing: Season-based format

Mathematical Modeling (HiMCM)

Competition · Mathematics · Intermediate

Over several days the team builds a mathematical model for a real problem and writes a paper, exercising applied mathematics, programming and collaboration; it is a practical highlight for mathematics/engineering pathways.

Suggested timing: Every autumn

UK Chemistry Olympiad

Competition · Natural Sciences · Intermediate

A chemistry competition for secondary school students, testing deep understanding and application of chemical principles, suitable for students aiming at chemistry, materials, medicine and related fields.

Suggested timing: Once a year

British Biology Olympiad

Competition · Natural Sciences · Intermediate

Biology olympiad training, practising life-science knowledge, data analysis and scientific reasoning.

Suggested timing: Once a year