The British Biology Olympiad is aimed at students in their final year of pre-further or pre-higher education.
The examination assumes knowledge of the common elements of the biology A level syllabi.
The award boundaries are set using only students from UK schools, and are then awarded to all participating students.
Whilst most students are 17-18, younger students often take part. Younger students are likely to perform better in the Intermediate Biology Olympiad (aimed at 16-17 year-old students) or Biology Challenge (aimed at 13-15 year-old students) which take place after the British Biology Olympiad.
All our papers are set by a small team of volunteers. Our competitions are intended to support biology enrichment in schools and colleges.
Therefore, only recognised educational institutions may register students. These include:
State-funded or independent schools
Further Education colleges
International schools recognised by their national education authority
The following may not register candidates or act as examination centres:
Private tutoring companies
Online-only tuition providers
Individuals acting independently of a school or recognised educational institution
International Biology Olympiad eligibility
To be eligible to represent the UK at the IBO, students:
- Must have studied in the UK for at least the past two years
- Must not have previously participated in UK Team Selection
- Must not have previously attended an International Biology Olympiad