Ellie's journey to this point has been highly competitive. It began with participation in the British Biology Olympiad, a nationwide competition that attracts thousands of top-performing students each year. From there, the highest achievers are invited to take part in further selection rounds. 

These subsequent stages include advanced theoretical assessments and intensive training camps, where students tackle university-level biology topics and demanding practical work. Only a small number of candidates progress through each round, with the final four students selected to form Team UK for the International Biology Olympiad.

At the IBO itself, competitors will face a series of rigorous examinations, including both complex theoretical papers and hands-on laboratory practicals covering areas such as molecular biology, ecology, physiology, and genetics. The competition is designed to challenge even the most talented young scientists in the world.
We are incredibly proud of Ellie's achievement in reaching this stage – a first for Kendrick! – and representing both our school and the UK on an international platform.

We wish her every success as she prepares for the competition this summer.

“I was very surprised to learn that I had made it to the finals as the second round felt very difficult. The finals consisted of a theory test and four practical assessments, three of which we received some training for the day before. The experiments were apparently around the higher undergraduate level, including dissecting fly larvae under a microscope (this was quite fiddly as even small movements could move them out of view) as well as independently running PCR and gel electrophoresis. It was a very challenging and exciting few days and I’m incredibly proud to report that I was selected for the International Biology Olympiad team.” Ellie, Year 13