The 2026 Chemistry Olympiad round one results

The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) have revealed the grade boundaries for round one of the 2026 UK Chemistry Olympiad (UKChO), with more than 70% of participants achieving a gold, silver or bronze award. Both the overall average scores and the grade boundaries were significantly higher this year than in 2025.

Round one took place on 28 January 2026, with a record 17,241 students taking part. A total of 1153 schools took part, 182 of which were participating for the first time. To achieve a bronze award, students had to score 13–22 marks out of a possible 84. For silver, they needed 23–37 marks, and for gold a minimum of 38 marks. 36.5% of participants achieved a bronze award, 25.7% a silver and 8.5% a gold. Students can request their scores from their teachers and the RSC will send pdf certificates to participants’ teachers in April.

This year’s paper opened with a question about pee in the pool, and went on to feature questions on topics such as isocyanides, compounds in henna tattoos and minerals. Paddington, the UkChO’s official mascot, even made an appearance in a question about isomers found in carrots.

What happens next?

The RSC has invited the 30 highest-achieving participants from round one to take part in round two, which will take place 9–12 April 2026 at the University of Nottingham, England. From here, a final four students will be selected to represent the UK at this year’s International Chemistry Olympiad from 10–19 July in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Thank you to every teacher who registered and supported their students, and to all those who took part in round one of this year’s competition.