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    Biology Challenge

    by UK Biology Competitions

    Biology Challenge tests curriculum knowledge and wider biological awareness through two supervised online multiple-choice papers.

    Last verified: 31 Aug 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
    Biology Challenge

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    the Biology Challenge at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Entry through recognized schools

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 13-15

    Location / Region

    Global

    Cost

    £30 per school

    Prize highlight

    E-certificates across six award categories

    Entry format

    Two online MCQ papers

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder

    the Biology Challenge summary

    Biology Challenge is a compact school biology competition built around two short multiple-choice papers.

    Questions combine curriculum knowledge with wider biological awareness gained through reading, natural history programs, news, and observation of flora and fauna.

    It particularly suits curious biology students who enjoy applying knowledge beyond routine classroom recall.

    What is Biology Challenge?

    Biology Challenge is an academic competition run by UK Biology Competitions to enrich school biology. It uses curriculum-based questions while rewarding students who engage with biological books, magazines, natural history programs, news, and the living world around them.

    Students complete two short multiple-choice papers online using an internet-connected device. A teacher must supervise the papers under normal examination conditions, making the experience closer to a school assessment than an independent take-home contest.

    Why Succeed highlights the Biology Challenge

    • It rewards biological curiosity beyond memorizing the school curriculum.

    • The two-paper structure offers a focused challenge without requiring a long project.

    • Questions encourage students to connect classroom biology with news, natural history, flora, and fauna.

    • Schools can enter any number of students, supporting broad participation.

    • Six e-certificate categories recognize achievement across a wide range of performances.

    Who is the Biology Challenge for?

    Best for

    Students who enjoy school biology and regularly explore biological ideas through reading, news, nature, or documentaries.

    Not ideal if

    You need an independently entered competition or prefer extended research and written project work.

    Is the Biology Challenge worth it?

    Biology Challenge is worthwhile for students seeking a manageable test of both curriculum knowledge and broader subject engagement. Its short multiple-choice format can provide a useful benchmark and a concrete reason to read beyond class.

    Its value depends on thoughtful follow-up: a certificate alone is unlikely to transform an academic profile. The school-entry requirement also means interested students must secure support from a teacher and cannot organize participation independently.

    How much preparation does the Biology Challenge need?

    Effort level

    Moderate.

    Best started

    Four to six weeks before the competition window.

    Main challenge

    Applying broad biological awareness to unfamiliar multiple-choice questions.

    Typical preparation

    • Review core topics from your current biology curriculum.

    • Read accessible biology books, magazines, and reputable science news.

    • Watch natural history programs and note unfamiliar organisms or processes.

    • Practice answering timed multiple-choice questions without overthinking each item.

    Useful if

    You want a structured reason to deepen your biology reading.

    What do students do on the Biology Challenge?

    Your school arranges access, and you complete both online multiple-choice papers under teacher supervision. The questions test classroom biology alongside wider awareness of biological topics and the natural world.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Ask a teacher at your school to arrange participation.

    2. 2

      Receive account and access instructions through your teacher.

    3. 3

      Use an internet-connected computer, laptop, or tablet.

    4. 4

      Complete the first 25-minute multiple-choice paper under supervision.

    5. 5

      Complete the second 25-minute multiple-choice paper under supervision.

    6. 6

      Receive the relevant e-certificate category through your school.

    the Biology Challenge dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Registration opens

    23 February 2026

    Schools register through the UKBC portal.

    Reference date

    Competition window

    27 April-11 May 2026

    Schools may schedule groups on different days.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Attend a recognized educational institution full time

    • England and Wales: Year 9 or Year 10

    • Northern Ireland: Year 10 or Year 11

    • Scotland: S2 or S3

    • Equivalent year groups worldwide

    • Entry must be arranged by the student's school

    • Direct teacher supervision is required

    • Private tutoring companies cannot register candidates

    • Online-only tuition providers cannot register candidates

    • Individuals cannot register independently

    How much does the Biology Challenge cost?

    School entry fee

    £30 per school — There is no limit on participant numbers.

    How to enter the Biology Challenge

    1. 1

      Ask a teacher to confirm that your school can enter candidates.

    2. 2

      The teacher creates or accesses the school's UKBC account.

    3. 3

      The teacher selects Biology Challenge through the exam portal.

    4. 4

      The school purchases competition access.

    5. 5

      The teacher creates student accounts and shares login instructions.

    6. 6

      Students complete both papers under direct teacher supervision.

    Submission requirements

    Participation consists of completing both online papers under supervised examination conditions.

    • Two 25-minute multiple-choice papers

    • Both papers must be completed

    • Internet-connected computer, laptop, or tablet

    • Direct supervision by a teacher

    • Remote supervision is not accepted

    Prizes and recognition

    Award categories

    E-certificates are issued for Gold, Silver, Bronze, Highly Commended, Commended, and Participation.

    What this may help with

    demonstrating sustained biology enrichment and subject engagement.

    What it does not guarantee

    university admission, selection, or future competition success.

    Judging criteria

    • Knowledge of the school biology curriculum
    • Biological knowledge developed through wider reading
    • Awareness of biology in news media
    • Knowledge of natural flora and fauna

    Detailed scoring criteria and weightings are not published.

    How to stand out

    1. Master your current biology curriculum before expanding into unfamiliar topics.
    2. Read biology magazines and accessible books to broaden your vocabulary and examples.
    3. Follow reputable biological news so contemporary topics feel familiar.
    4. Watch natural history programs actively and investigate organisms you do not recognize.
    5. Build awareness of local flora and fauna through observation and further reading.
    6. Practice two timed 25-minute sets to improve pace and concentration.

    the Biology Challenge FAQs

    Questions draw on the school biology curriculum and wider biological knowledge. Reading, natural history programs, biological news, and awareness of flora and fauna can all help.

    No. Only a teacher at a recognized educational institution can register candidates and supervise the papers.

    Students complete two multiple-choice papers. Each paper lasts 25 minutes, and both must be completed for award consideration.

    Yes. Both papers are accessed online, but students must sit them under direct teacher supervision under normal examination conditions.

    Students need an internet-connected device. A computer or laptop is likely to be the easiest option, although tablets are also supported.

    Students who normally receive additional time in public examinations may receive the appropriate proportion of extra time. The supervising teacher is responsible for arranging it correctly.

    There is no stated limit on participation numbers for a registered school.

    Students may receive Gold, Silver, Bronze, Highly Commended, Commended, or Participation e-certificates.

    Alternatives to the Biology Challenge

    Compare these options if you want a different science challenge, age range, or learning format.

    Alternatives to the Biology Challenge

    UK Chemistry Olympiad
    Open now

    Challenging chemistry problems completed through school

    International Relations
    11 Jan 2027
    Free
    16-19

    Best for

    Older students focused on chemistry

    View details

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    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • UKBC registration guide
    • Biology Challenge – UKBC

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 31 Aug 2026)

    • Official page checked

    • Registration guide reviewed

    • Eligibility details verified

    • Competition format verified

    • School fee checked

    • Award categories reviewed

    • 2026 dates recorded

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current submission instructions before entering.