Frequently asked questions

BMSAQ is an individual academic competition. Pupils enter through their school and are recognised for their own performance; there is no fixed school team size.

Schools normally run the sitting at school under teacher supervision. Pupils do not need to travel to London or another central BMSAQ venue.

Check the school-year guidance for your region on the age categories page. A pupil may enter more than one Challenge if eligible under the current Rules.

Schools may choose online participation through the BMSAQ Challenge platform or school-printed paper materials where available for their market. Both formats are supervised by the school.

Each sitting lasts 30 minutes unless an authorised access arrangement changes a pupil’s time.

Primary has 50 questions. Junior, Intermediate and Senior each have 100 questions.

Yes. Practice helps pupils understand the style of the Challenge before the official sitting.

The Challenge normally takes place on the official date to protect fairness. BMSAQ may consider an exception at the National Organiser’s discretion where school calendars or practical arrangements justify review.

An authorised teacher or adult at the school supervises the sitting. Pupils complete the Challenge independently.

Tell the school organiser promptly. They can record an interruption or concern in the Organiser Portal and contact BMSAQ if needed.

Schools should request access arrangements at least two weeks before Challenge day. BMSAQ reviews requests where needed.

Schools order individual student entries in blocks of 10 through the Organiser Portal. In the UK, the first 10 student entries cost £25 and each additional 10 cost £15.

Schools receive individual results privately. A Student Account can show the pupil’s own released records where the account flow is used.

No. The school receives released results. A Student Account is an optional route for a pupil’s own released information where enabled.

No. Never send passwords, Student IDs or Access Codes by email.