British Biology
OlympiadUK · Est. 1995 Register your school

British Biology Olympiad · 2027 UK cycle

The UK’s biggest biology competition for sixth-formers.

China: 2026 archive; confirm the next regional notice · UK: 15–25 January 2027

A short online exam that rewards biological intuition, logic and imagination — and opens the pathway to representing your country at the International Biology Olympiad.

FREEFree past papers & keys IBOGateway to the int’l olympiad

15,221Students last year

906Schools took part

~80%Schools awarded

1995First held

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.

About UKBC & the BBO → How the competition works →

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.

Past papers & answer keys

Practising real papers is the single best way to prepare. Download any year’s paper and mark scheme — completely free.

Browse the full archive →

2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2019 2018 2017 2015 2011 2010

Latest news

View all news →

October 20, 2026

BBO Mark-Release-Recapture: Checking Lincoln Index Assumptions

Calculate population estimates correctly while understanding when assumptions fail. Learn to diagnose bias directions in BBO ecology questions involving the Lincoln index, such as trap-happy or trap-shy behaviours.
October 17, 2026

BBO Biology Revision: Connect Molecular Mechanisms With Whole-Organism Effects

Learn how to bridge molecular biology and whole-organism effects for BBO Biology Revision. Includes checked worked cases, common pitfalls, and a practical diagnostic for the 2027 BBO China and UK formats.
October 15, 2026

BBO Phylogenetic Trees: Read Common Ancestry Without Counting Nearby Tips

Learn to read phylogenetic trees for the BBO by identifying true common ancestry through node-based reasoning, not misleading tip proximity. Worked teaching illustrations show when counting nearby tips fails and how to build reliable tree-reading habits.

Frequently asked questions

See all FAQs →

1Who can take part in the BBO?

In the UK it’s for Year 12–13 students; the China-region exam is open to any high-school year. Students are entered through their school, not as individuals.

2What does the competition involve?

It varies by region — the UK sits two 45-minute papers, while the China-region exam is a single 90-minute paper (Chinese & English). Both reward biological intuition over rote knowledge. Full format →

3How is it scored and what awards are there?

Awards range across Gold, Silver, Bronze, Highly Commended, Commended and Participation. The majority of participating schools receive at least one award.

4When is the BBO held?

China 2026 archive: 17 January (registration closed 6 January). UK 2027: 15–25 January. UK school registration opened 1 October 2026; confirm China dates separately.Registration details →

5How should I prepare?

Work through the free past-paper archive, review the syllabus, and use recommended biology textbooks. See the resources page for a full prep path.

Get started

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.