The British Biology Olympiad (BBO) 2025, organized by the UK Biology Competitions (UKBC), is a prestigious competition that challenges and stimulates students with an interest in biology to expand and extend their talents. It enables students to demonstrate their knowledge and be suitably rewarded with publicly recognized certificates.

Key Dates for BBO 2025

• Competition Window: 4th to 12th February 2025
• Team Selection Exam for International Biology Olympiad (IBO): 13th or 14th March 2025

Competition Format

• Structure: Two 45-minute multiple-choice papers
• Delivery: Online under staff-supervised exam conditions
• Flexibility: Papers can be taken together or on separate occasions within the competition window
• Content: Questions may cover unfamiliar topics, requiring students to apply their problem-solving skills and understanding of core principles

Eligibility and Participation

• Target Students: Post-16 students studying at school or college (Y12/Y13 in England and Wales, Y13/Y14 in Northern Ireland, S5/S6 in Scotland, and equivalent year groups worldwide)
• Entry Requirements: No limits on the number of participants per school
• Registration: Teachers must register students; individual entries are not accepted
• Cost: Free for UK schools; £30 per school for international entries

Awards and Recognition

• E-Certificates: Awarded in the following categories: Gold, Silver, Bronze, Highly Commended, Commended, and Participation
• Award Distribution: Approximately 60% of students receive a Commendation or higher
• International Biology Olympiad (IBO) Pathway: Top-performing students may be invited to participate in further training and assessments to select the UK team for the IBO

Preparation Tips

• Past Papers: Available on the UKBC website for practice; however, mark schemes are not provided to encourage independent research and understanding
• Study Approach:
  • Focus on understanding core A-level biology concepts
  • Develop problem-solving skills and the ability to apply knowledge to unfamiliar scenarios
  • Engage with current biological research and developments to broaden understanding

International Biology Olympiad (IBO) Team Selection

• Eligibility for IBO Team:
  • Students must have studied in the UK for at least the past two years
  • Must not have previously participated in UK Team Selection or attended an International Biology Olympiad

• Selection Process:
  • Top performers in the BBO will be contacted for the team selection process
  • A scientific paper will be provided for study prior to the selection exam
  • The selection exam is scheduled for 13th or 14th March 2025

For more information and to access resources, visit the UK Biology Competitions website.