British Physics Olympiad Senior Physics Challenge (Year 12)
British Physics Olympiad (BPhO)
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Fancy testing your physics instincts against the nation? Join the BPhO Senior Physics Challenge - choose the speedy SPC Online or the problem-solving paper. Build problem-solving skills, impress universities and connect with the physics community.
The British Physics Olympiad Senior Physics Challenge (SPC) is a national competition aimed at Year 12 (first year of A-level or equivalent) students. There are two routes: SPC Online, a quiz-style competition made up of two 30-minute multiple-choice sets designed to encourage wider reading and interest in physics; and the traditional paper SPC, a one-hour problem-based paper that challenges students' problem-solving and application of core physics principles.
Both competitions are intended to be taken in school under teacher supervision and are not permitted to be sat remotely. The online event is run via the BPhO Competition Platform and is accessible to capable students (not an Olympiad-level paper).
The paper competition uses a problem-set format with past papers recommended for preparation; teachers download papers from the Competition Platform and mark scripts in school using the provided mark scheme.
Entry arrangements vary: SPC Online charges £20 for a school entry (up to 999 students), the paper competition is free for (UK) schools while international schools have a £20 fee for up to 100 students. Results, reports and supporting materials (sample questions, past papers, mark schemes) are available on the Competition Platform.
Selected top performers may be invited (with their teacher) to the Royal Society awards.
19 Jan 2026 – 23 Jan 2026
SPC Online (school sittings week)
06 Mar 2026
SPC Paper (UK schools)
09 Mar 2026
SPC Paper (international schools - alternate date)
Location
- Aimed at the first year of A-level (Year 12) or equivalent
- Must be sat within the student's school under teacher supervision (may NOT be sat at home or remotely)
- Teachers must be registered on the Competition Platform to download papers and enter students
- Free entry: four free entries to UK non-fee-paying schools for Round 1 in November (as specified by BPhO)
- International schools have separate entry arrangements (international entry fees and ASDAN/partner registration as noted)
SPC Online: £20 for a school entry of up to 999 students. Paper competition: free for (UK) school entry; international schools: £20 for a school entry of up to 100 students.
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