Four individual Challenges

Find the right academic Challenge.

Four age-linked Challenges. One broad test of curiosity and careful thinking.

The 2026/27 Challenges

Choose the level for your pupils, then check its date and format.

Challenge day12 November 2026

2026/27 series

Senior Challenge

100 questionsEntry deadline 5 November 2026

England & Wales: Year 13 and below
Scotland: S6 and below
Northern Ireland: Year 14 and below
Republic of Ireland: 6th Year and below

Explore Senior Challenge

Challenge day4 February 2027

2026/27 series

Intermediate Challenge

100 questionsEntry deadline 28 January 2027

England & Wales: Year 11 and below
Scotland: S4 and below
Northern Ireland: Year 12 and below
Republic of Ireland: 4th (Transition) Year and below

Explore Intermediate Challenge

Challenge day11 March 2027

2026/27 series

Junior Challenge

100 questionsEntry deadline 4 March 2027

England & Wales: Year 8 and below
Scotland: S1 and below
Northern Ireland: Year 9 and below
Republic of Ireland: 1st Year and below

Explore Junior Challenge

Challenge day6 May 2027

2026/27 series

Primary Challenge

50 questionsEntry deadline 29 April 2027

England & Wales: Year 7 and below
Scotland: P7 and below
Northern Ireland: P7 and below
Republic of Ireland: 5th Class and below

Explore Primary Challenge

What every Challenge shares

The same school-based model applies at every level.

IndividualNo fixed team size; each pupil receives their own result.

At schoolA teacher supervises the sitting. No central venue is normally needed.

Online or paperSchools choose an available format for the level.

Not sure which level?

School-year names vary between regions. Use the age categories page for the school-year limits, or contact BMSAQ for help with a different curriculum.

View age categories See all dates Ask BMSAQ

Before and after the Challenge

Try some practice questions before the sitting, and see how pupils receive their results and awards.

Practice Awards

The right level for each pupil

Start with school-year eligibility.

Primary and Junior boundaries differ between school systems. The category helper uses the approved limits for England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Find a pupil’s Challenge

The same individual model

Every level is entered through school and normally taken there under teacher supervision. Schools choose how many eligible pupils participate.

Plan your school’s participation

Next step

Ready to explore BMSAQ?

Compare the Challenges, register a school or ask us a question.