UK Biology Competitions
Norwich, United Kingdom
About UK Biology Competitions
UK Biology Competitions is a registered charity that runs three annual biology competitions for secondary school students. Founded in 1995, it delivers competitions to more than 60,000 students each year through volunteer teams and works closely with the University of Warwick. The British Biology Olympiad also begins the selection pathway for the UK team at the International Biology Olympiad.
Teaching style
UKBC uses online, school-administered multiple-choice competitions that combine curriculum knowledge with unfamiliar material, biological reasoning, and problem-solving. Students complete papers under in-person teacher supervision, while questions encourage wider reading and engagement with topical and cutting-edge biology.
Reputation & Succeed take
UKBC reports more than 30 years of competition-writing experience and annual participation exceeding 60,000 students. It holds the United Kingdom's seat in the International Biology Olympiad governing body, and says every UK team member except one has won a medal since the country began participating in 1998.
Our take
UKBC offers a clear progression for students who want to stretch their biology knowledge beyond routine classroom assessment, from the Biology Challenge through the two Olympiad levels and potentially UK team selection. It is best accessed through a participating school because teachers must register and supervise students in person.
UKBC's three competitions form an age- and stage-based pathway: the Biology Challenge introduces younger secondary students to curriculum enrichment, the Intermediate Biology Olympiad emphasizes advanced problem-solving in the first year of post-16 education, and the British Biology Olympiad can lead to UK team selection for the International Biology Olympiad.
Who this provider suits
Who should choose them
UKBC suits recognized schools and colleges seeking structured biology enrichment for secondary and post-16 students. It is particularly relevant to students who enjoy unfamiliar questions, wider reading, biological reasoning, and problem-solving, and to schools able to provide online access and in-person teacher supervision.
Who it may not suit
UKBC is not suitable for independent student registration, private tutoring companies, online-only tuition providers, or organizations that cannot provide direct, on-site supervision through a recognized educational institution. Students seeking remote participation should also look elsewhere because remote invigilation is not permitted.
Frequently asked questions
Competitions by UK Biology Competitions
Intermediate Biology Olympiad
Organised by UK Biology Competitions
Deadline
19 Jun 2026
Age / eligibility
16–17 years
Cost
£30
British Biology Olympiad
Organised by UK Biology Competitions
Deadline
28 Jan 2026
Age / eligibility
16–18 years
Cost
Free entry
