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2025/2026 Entries Now Open!
It's important that all students and organisers are aware of the key dates illustrated below. If you require help or further information on the dates or processes listed below please contact info@bmsaq.com.
How it works
Oh. So. Simple
Register your school
Purchase entries
Sit challenge
Receive results
The online format allows students to use a computer, laptop, or tablet to compete. It's easy to use and students can practice using the online platform from our website, at any time.
Logging in:
After you purchase entries, we will email you a list of individual usernames and passwords that students can use to access the Challenge.
Let students know that they can attempt the questions in any order and can always go back to change an answer. Their answers will be saved immediately. At the end of the Challenge, they must select the 'submit' option beneath question 100.
Once your students have finished, you do not need to do anything further.
When sitting the Challenge
The Invigilator must:
Ensure all question papers remain covered until the start time.
Ensure the time allowed for the BMSAQ Challenge is adhered to.
Ensure students are seated exam style, so that it is hard to see where others are placing/selecting their answers.
Collect the answer sheets and any rough working after the Challenge has finished and retain them until results are released, in case of technical and uploading errors (paper Challenges only).
Collect the question papers back in from students after the Challenge and only release them back to the students after the results are released (paper Challenges only).
Do not clarify questions or give further information to participating students.
The student must:
Ensure their correct personal details are accurately shown on their answer sheets, including name
(paper based Challenges only).
Ensure they enter their name and year group correctly (Online Challenges only).
Carefully read the instructions before starting the Challenge.
Instructions:
The use of blank paper for rough working is allowed.
Squared paper, calculators and measuring instruments are forbidden.
Use a B or HB non-propelling pencil.
There are four sections within the paper. In order, these include: Geography, Science & Nature, History & Politics, and Culture. The questions in each topic will be arranged in order of increasing difficulty. The final part of each topic will include a visual element, with 4 related marks.
To accommodate candidates in taking the exam at other times, please do not discuss any aspect of the paper (including on the internet) until 48 hours after the exam date.
Key dates
Key Dates
Senior Challenge
Entry Deadline: 5th November 2026
Challenge Date: 12th November 2026
Results Issued: ~16th November 2026
Intermediate Challenge
Entry Deadline: 28th January 2027
Challenge Date: 4th February 2027
Results Issued: ~8th February 2027
Junior Challenge
Entry Deadline: 4th March 2027
Challenge Date: 11th March 2027
Results Issued: ~15th March 2027
Primary Challenge
Entry Deadline: 29th April 2027
Challenge Date: 6th May 2027
Results Issued: ~10th May 2027
For more information about the competition process click here.
Challenge Calendar
Download our complete Challenge calendar and always stay ahead of our important deadlines.
FAQs
How does scoring work?
All BMSAQ Challenges have a possible 100 marks which students can achieve. Each question is worth one mark. There are NO marks deducted for a wrong answer.
What can I use to compete in the Challenge
The Challenge can be completed in a paper format or online. If you choose to compete using the online format, students will need to have a computer, laptop or tablet. Note: Paper versions must be printed by schools at their own expense.
How do I pay for the question papers?
When ordering your challenges we will ask you to provide an email for us to invoice. This can be your email or your school's finance office. After you confirm your order we will send an invoice to the email you have specified. Invoices can be paid via BACS or Card.
When and how do I submit my students' answer sheets?
You must scan and send your student's answer sheets to us on the day they sit the challenge. On the day of the Challenge, we will send you an email reminder.
How do I scan my students answer sheets?
Firstly, you will need to scan the paper answer sheets to your computer. Your files can be up to 100MB. This should be more than enough to upload all your answer sheets in 1 file, however, if not you will need to put them into several different files and send them together. It does not matter what these files are called.
Tips:
Use a sheet-fed scanner to create a PDF file
Do NOT use a cell phone PDF scanner app, which will alter the layout and hide glare marks.
Scan papers between 100-300 PPI
Scan in Grayscale, black and white or colour.
One answer sheet per page
Maximum File Size of 100MB
Please note: Do not upload any rough work, blank sheets, seating plans or answer booklets.
Can my students take home their answer booklets or answer sheets?
No, your students must not take home any materials on the day of the challenge. This is to accommodate any schools who may be taking the challenge at another time.
However, if you wish to hold these materials in a safe location, students can collect them after results have been released. This is not mandatory.
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