FAQ

How many students can I register?

There is no limit on the number of students a school can register.

What are the eligibility requirements?

British Biology Olympiad (BBO):

  • Open to students in their final year before higher education or equivalent.

  • Most participants are aged 17–18, but younger students may also participate.

  • Younger students may perform better in Intermediate Biology Olympiad (16–17 years) or Biology Challenge (13–15 years).

  • Students from any school worldwide are eligible.

  • Competitors are expected to have a basic understanding of A-Level biology curriculum.

  • Awards are determined based on the performance of UK students and then extended to all participants.

International Biology Olympiad (IBO) Selection:

  • To qualify to represent the UK:

    • Students must have studied in the UK for at least two years.

    • Students must not have previously participated in UK team selection.

    • Students must not have previously competed in the IBO.

How can I register for the competition?

Teachers can register by clicking the “Login” link at the top right of the page.
Full instructions for school registration are available on the official BBO website.

What is the competition fee?

  • UK schools: Free

  • Schools outside the UK: £30 per school

How do students participate?

  • Competition papers are accessible online through the exam portal.

  • Teachers receive detailed instructions on setting up student accounts prior to the competition.

  • All students must have a network-enabled device (desktop, laptop, or tablet is recommended).

When can students take the competition?

  • Students may participate anytime within the competition window.

  • Within a school, it is encouraged that all students take the competition simultaneously.

  • As with other exams, all students must be supervised by a teacher during the test.

Can students have extra time?

  • Students with officially approved extra time accommodations are allowed proportional additional time.

  • Teachers can view the allocated time on the exam portal and ensure it is correctly applied during supervision.

What does the competition assess?

  • The BBO is not a knowledge test beyond the A-Level syllabus.

  • Students are expected to apply biological principles to unfamiliar topics.

  • Teachers are not expected to provide special preparation for the BBO.

How are awards determined?

Students are awarded electronic certificates in the following categories:

  • Gold, Silver, Bronze

  • Highly Commended, Commended, Participation

All participants are also eligible for one-year free membership in the Royal Society of Biology BioNet.

How is the UK team for the International Biology Olympiad selected?

  • Selection for the UK IBO team is closely linked to BBO results.

  • Teachers of top-performing students are contacted to discuss invitations to UK team selection.

  • Invitations are usually sent two weeks after the BBO, and team selection takes place during the Easter holiday.

  • Students who have not studied in the UK for the past two years, or who have previously participated in UK team selection or IBO, are generally not eligible.

  • The School of Life Sciences at the University of Warwick has conducted team selection for several years.

What is the exam format and supervision requirement?

  • The BBO consists of two 45-minute multiple-choice papers, both of which must be completed for award consideration.

  • Exams are online, requiring each student to have a network-enabled device.

  • Teachers are responsible for supervision under standard exam conditions.

  • Teachers receive an administrator account and instructions for student account setup before the exam.

  • Only registered teachers from legitimate schools or exam centers may supervise students.

I am a student/teacher/parent – can I participate?

  • The BBO is conducted in an exam format, and only teachers can register students and supervise the test.

  • Students should ask their teacher to arrange participation.

  • Registration is straightforward, most schools receive at least one award, and supervision is similar to monitoring during a study period.

  • All communication with students is conducted through teachers, except for on-site events such as the IBO.

COVID-19 Contingency

  • Teachers are expected to supervise students in person.

  • If this is not possible, remote supervision may be allowed.

  • Please contact UKBC for guidance on remote monitoring procedures.

For more questions, registration guidance, and consultation, scan the QR code below to access online support.

Free resources available: past papers, video explanations, and trial courses.