About the Contest
The British Physics Olympiad (BPhO) is the UK's premier physics competition for secondary students, with problems set and marked with the involvement of the Department of Physics at the University of Oxford. BPhO Round 1 is held every November: 2 hours 40 minutes of proof and long-answer problems that build on A-Level physics and extend far beyond it, demanding a strong combination of physical insight and mathematical derivation.
Since 2021, students worldwide compete together for the awards: British competitors' results are used first to set the gold, silver and bronze boundaries, and competitors from other countries are then awarded against those boundaries, preserving the global value of every medal. Chinese students cannot represent the UK national team, but award winners may be invited to the BPhO China Camp.
Top students who reach the qualifying score in Round 1 are invited to Round 2 (held the following February, in proof format) — the final stage of UK national team selection, open only to the very best Round 1 performers in Britain, with the winners going on to represent the UK at the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO).
Key Facts
- Problems set and marked with Oxford's Department of Physics — a flagship credential for Oxbridge physics and engineering
- Round 1: proof and long-answer problems, 2 h 40 min, every November
- Award boundaries set by British students' results and applied to all competitors worldwide
- Round 1 winners invited to Round 2 the following February — the UK national team selection stage
Participation Info
- Suitable Grades
- Grade 10-12
- Contest Time
- Round 1 in November
- Format
- Proof and long-answer problems, 2 h 40 min, written paper
LighTon Coaching Programmes
BPhO 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
BPhO courses are taught by subject-specialist tutors with years of international curriculum and competition experience.
Meet LighTon's Select TutorsTrack Record
- 78%+ award rate in Physics Bowl
- Students consistently achieve top grades in the matching IB / AP / A-Level subjects
Frequently Asked Questions
Which grades is BPhO suitable for?
Grade 10-12
When is the BPhO held?
Round 1 in November
What is the format of the BPhO?
Proof and long-answer problems, 2 h 40 min, written paper
What BPhO coaching does LighTon offer?
LighTon offers foundation, intensive and sprint courses for the BPhO, 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 BPhO?
Book a free consultation for a personalised preparation plan and coaching schedule.