British Physics Olympiad

The BPhO is to encourage the study of physics and to recognise excellence in young physicists through fourteen annual physics competitions. Why not take the challenge!

BPhO logo with sponsor G-Research

International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophyics

UK IOAA Team 2023

The 2023 International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophyics was held in Chorzów, Poland, in August. The UK team of five members was outstandingly successful, returning with five gold medals. More details...

International Physics Olympiad

UK IPhO Team 2023

The 2023 International Physics Olympiad was held in Tokyo in July. The five British participants were very successful, returning with three silver medals and two bronze medals. More details...


Events and Workshops for Students and Teachers


UK Competitions

  1. Past BPhO questions - choose your competition and go to Past Papers tab,
  2. IsaacPhysics, and
  3. Physics Online

Please see our page of Competition Dates & Events for our British Physics Olympiad, British Astronomy & Astrophyics Olympiad and Computational Physics Challenge competitions.

“ I got a silver - have to say I’m pretty chuffed ”

– Student

We recognise that teachers are busy and aim to make our competitions as easy as possible to run in your school. Most examination papers require just one hour, either in lessons, after school or at home. Many can be run as two parts in separate sessions.