About the British Biology Olympiad
One of the longest-running and most influential biology competitions for secondary-school students — run by a registered charity, and a proven pathway to the international stage.
A competition that rewards curiosity
The British Biology Olympiad (BBO) challenges and stimulates students with a strong interest in biology to expand and extend their talents. Rather than testing rote knowledge, it asks students to apply biological principles to unfamiliar, cutting-edge topics — rewarding intuition, logic and imagination.
Students sit two short online papers at their own school. Top performers progress toward representing their country at the International Biology Olympiad. See how the competition works →
Run by UK Biology Competitions (UKBC)
The BBO is organised by UK Biology Competitions (UKBC), a registered charity in England and Wales (charity number 1191037). UKBC encourages the study of biology at all levels by providing competitions for secondary-school students, and is run largely by volunteers.
UKBC also runs other biology competitions for different age groups; the BBO is its flagship event for sixth-formers. See related competitions →
Your guide for international & China-region students
This portal helps international and China-region students and schools take part in the British Biology Olympiad — with the rules, the full past-paper archive, registration guidance and the latest news in one place.
For questions about entering, preparation or the current season, get in touch — we’re happy to help your school get started.