British Biology Olympiad

British Biology Olympiad 2026

The British Biology Olympiad (BBO) is one of the longest-running and most influential biology competitions for secondary school students in the United Kingdom.
Founded in 1995, the competition has a history of over 27 years, with nearly 10,000 high school students participating each year.

The BBO aims to challenge and inspire students with a strong interest in biology, encouraging them to expand their academic potential while earning publicly recognized certificates and awards.

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Free Resources for Students

Free access includes:

• BBO past papers and solutions (2010–2025)

• Practice questions

• Topic-focused notes

• Recommended textbooks

2026 BBO Official Papers and Full Solutions
Scan the QR code to reserve access.

Exam Preparation Resource Pack Download
Includes:

• Past papers and answers

• Eight recommended biology textbooks

• Topic notes

• Practice questions

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Key Dates for BBO 2026

ASDAN China Official Website

• Exam Date: January 17, 2026 (Saturday)

• Time: 10:00–11:30 (90 minutes)

• Registration Deadline: January 6, 2026

UKBC Official Website

• Exam Window: January 19–28, 2026

• Registration Opens: November 1, 2025

Please note: Exam dates published by UKBC and ASDAN differ.
For students in China, the ASDAN official schedule shall prevail.

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What Does the BBO Test?

The BBO is open to students aged 16 and above who are currently enrolled in a school or university.

Exam Format

• Two 45-minute multiple-choice papers

• Conducted online under supervised conditions

Students are often presented with unfamiliar topics and new perspectives, with an emphasis on:

• Problem-solving ability

• Application of biological principles

• Deep conceptual understanding

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1. Syllabus Coverage

The BBO primarily focuses on biochemistry, genetics, and plant and animal biology.

• 20% Cell Biology

• 25% Animal Anatomy and Physiology

• 15% Plant Anatomy and Physiology

• 5% Animal Behaviour

• 15% Ecology

• 5% Biological Systematics

• 20% Genetics and Evolution

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2. Question Types

• Multiple-choice questions

• Fill-in-the-blank questions

• Sequencing questions

The number of questions, formats, and total scores may vary slightly each year.

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3. Competition Format

• Individual written examination

• No laboratory component

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4. Awards and Distinctions

Awards include:

• Gold

• Silver

• Bronze

• Highly Commended

• Commended

For UK students, award thresholds are determined by ranking:

• Top 5%: Gold

• Top 15%: Silver

• Top 30%: Bronze

• Top 45%: Highly Commended

• Top 60%: Commended

For international students, awards are determined based on fixed score cut-offs, rather than ranking percentages.

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BBO Planning, Registration, and Coaching Support

Scan the QR code to receive consultation and personalized guidance.

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Historical Award Cut-off Scores

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Award Distribution Percentages

Award thresholds for students in China follow the same cut-off scores as UK students, based on the corresponding ranking percentages.

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BBO Exam Preparation Resources

1. Past Papers

Past papers from 2010–2025, with full solutions, are provided to help students:

• Understand exam style

• Identify weak areas

• Become familiar with competition expectations

2. Scientific Vocabulary Development

For international competitions, building English biology terminology is essential.
Students are encouraged to:

• Memorize key terms

• Read English biology textbooks

• Review academic papers

Recommended reading lists and a 200-term biology competition vocabulary list are provided.

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3. Topic Notes

• 107 pages of comprehensive notes

• Covers nearly all USABO and BBO exam topics

• Organized by chapter, highlighting frequently tested and challenging concepts

• Includes clear diagrams and illustrations

Only selected pages are shown due to length.

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4. BBO Practice Tests

These self-assessment tests are designed strictly according to the latest 2025 syllabus, covering:

• Cell Biology

• Genetics and Evolution

• All core modules

Questions progress from introductory to advanced levels and include detailed explanations, helping students efficiently identify knowledge gaps and strengthen their understanding.

Free download available via QR code.

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About the Organizer

The BBO is one of the most prestigious national science competitions in the United Kingdom and is currently operated independently by the UK Biology Competitions (UKBC) committee.

The competition is supported and overseen by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB). Headquartered in central London, the RSB has more than 16,000 members across over 100 countries, including leading scientists and researchers, and is one of the most influential biological organizations worldwide.

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Why Is the BBO Highly Valued?

Academic Authority

Organized by the Royal Society of Biology, the BBO attracts thousands of students worldwide. Top performers receive officially recognized Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards.

Strong Enhancement of University Applications

For students applying to medicine, biology, or life science-related majors at top universities, strong BBO results serve as compelling academic credentials.

Recognized Academic Excellence

In the University of Cambridge’s official academic activity recommendations, the BBO is strongly recommended for applicants to Natural Sciences (Biology).

Pathway to the International Biology Olympiad (IBO)

The BBO serves as the first stage of selection for the International Biology Olympiad. Top-scoring students are invited to advanced theoretical and practical training and assessment, with the opportunity to represent the United Kingdom at the IBO, which involves participants from over 60 countries.