About the Contest
The British Biology Olympiad (BBO) is run by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB). In 2016 ASDAN China formally partnered with the RSB to bring the BBO to China, where Chinese students sit the same paper and compete for the same medals as over 7,000 British students. The BBO is a national competition for UK secondary students attracting tens of thousands of entries every year.
BBO questions build on A-Level biology and extend into first-year university content, covering cell biology, genetics and evolution, plant and animal anatomy and physiology, ecology and animal behaviour. The contest cultivates scientific thinking and problem-solving, and is a core background-building event for applications in biology, medicine and biochemistry.
Key Facts
- Run by the Royal Society of Biology — compete on the same paper as 7,000+ UK students
- Content extends into first-year university biology, balancing breadth and depth
- Around 90 minutes, with multiple-choice and true-false questions
- A signature contest for biomedical applications
2027 Contest Schedule
- 16 January 2027 (Saturday), 10:00–11:30
Participation Info
- Suitable Grades
- Grade 10-12
- Contest Time
- 16 January 2027 (Saturday), 10:00–11:30
- Format
- Around 90 multiple-choice / true-false questions, 90 minutes, online
LighTon Coaching Programmes
BBO Training Courses
Foundation Course
For students new to the contest
- Systematic coverage of the syllabus and key terminology
- Build a solid framework bridging schoolwork and contest level
- Small group or 1-on-1, online and in person
Intensive Course
For students with a foundation aiming at awards
- Past-paper drills with proven question patterns
- Topic training with biweekly tests to adjust priorities
- Progress reports keeping parents in the loop
Sprint Course
For students nearing the exam date
- Full mock exams with question-by-question review
- Targeted gap filling and score-maximising strategy
- Exam mindset and time-management coaching
Tutors
BBO courses are taught by subject-specialist tutors with years of international curriculum and competition experience.
Meet LighTon's Select TutorsTrack Record
- Our students regularly win awards in major contests — results updated continuously
- Students consistently achieve top grades in the matching IB / AP / A-Level subjects
Frequently Asked Questions
Which grades is BBO suitable for?
Grade 10-12
When is the BBO held?
16 January 2027 (Saturday), 10:00–11:30
What is the format of the BBO?
Around 90 multiple-choice / true-false questions, 90 minutes, online
What BBO coaching does LighTon offer?
LighTon offers foundation, intensive and sprint courses for the BBO, in 1-on-1 or small-group formats, online and in person. Contact us for a free preparation plan and a trial lesson.
Preparing for BBO?
Book a free consultation for a personalised preparation plan and coaching schedule.