Astronomy & Astrophysics Olympiad (BAAO)

The British Astronomy & Astrophysics Olympiad (BAAO), run within the BPhO trust, offers schools across the UK a series of competition papers focused on astronomy and astrophysics. Launched in 2015, the competition is syllabus-independent and builds on core physics applied to astronomical contexts; no prior specialist astronomy modules are assumed.

It provides a pathway for students to explore current research topics and to progress to higher education in related fields.

Students are encouraged to attempt the Astro Challenge Paper in the Autumn term and must take at least one of the BPhO Round 1 (November) or the BAAO Round 1 (January). Top performers are invited to the BAAO Round 2 in February, with final selection of the five students who will represent the UK at the IOAA taking place at an Easter training camp in Oxford in April.

Past papers and solutions are available online and studying them is strongly recommended to prepare.

Assessment outcomes use medal boundaries (approximately 60%+ Gold, 40%+ Silver, 20%+ Bronze, below 20% Commendation). The BAAO is closely linked with university-based training camps and provides an opportunity for motivated school students (including GCSE and A-level students) to gain advanced problem-solving experience and compete internationally.