The UK’s biggest biology competition for sixth-formers.
A short online exam that rewards biological intuition, logic and imagination — and opens the pathway to representing your country at the International Biology Olympiad.
What is the British Biology Olympiad?
The BBO challenges and stimulates students with a strong interest in biology to expand and extend their talents — applying biological principles to unfamiliar, cutting-edge topics rather than testing rote knowledge.
Run by UK Biology Competitions, a registered charity (no. 1191037), it is sat as two 45-minute online papers under exam conditions at your own school. Top performers progress toward the International Biology Olympiad.
Everything you need for the BBO
From the rules to the full past-paper archive — in one place.
The competition
Format, eligibility, scoring and the route to international selection — explained plainly.
Past papers
The free 2010–2026 archive with answer keys, ready to download.
Registration
How schools and China-region students enter, with the season timeline and fees.
Prepare & win
Syllabus, study resources and 1-on-1 planning to push for a Gold medal.
Latest news
View all news →-
You Cannot Enter the BBO Yourself: The School-Registration Rule and How to Get Yours In
The BBO has no individual entry route. Only recognised schools and colleges can register, a teacher enrols, and papers are sat on-site. Here is how to get your school in.
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How to Answer a BBO Question on Biology You Were Never Taught
UKBC says the BBO is not primarily a test of knowledge. Six transferable principles, a four-move procedure, and how to drill reasoning on biology nobody taught you.
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The Intermediate Biology Olympiad vs the BBO: The Second UKBC Paper Most Year 12 Students Miss
UKBC runs a June paper for Year 12 that most BBO candidates never hear about. How the Intermediate Biology Olympiad differs, and why the two pair well in one year.
Frequently asked questions
See all FAQs →1Who can take part in the BBO?
2What does the competition involve?
3How is it scored and what awards are there?
4When is the BBO held?
5How should I prepare?
Ready to take on the BBO?
Talk to an advisor about registration, get the free 2010–2026 past-paper pack, or try a ¥9.9 sample class. Scan a code or message us directly.
