Rugby School Hosts The Chemistry Race

latest news 12 February 2025

Rugby School Hosts The Chemistry Race

This past weekend, Rugby School proudly hosted The Chemistry Race for the first time, welcoming 100 students from 20 schools across different sectors, accompanied by 30 Chemistry teachers, for a fast-paced, high-level competition. The event, run in collaboration with the University of Oxford, saw eight Oxford Chemistry students give up their Saturday to help facilitate the challenge alongside Rugby’s Science staff.

Meanwhile, five of Rugby’s top Chemistry students travelled to the University of Cambridge to compete, securing a top-third finish—an impressive feat given the elite standard nationwide.

The Chemistry Race is an ultra-curricular competition for top Year 13 Chemistry students, testing speed, accuracy, and problem-solving ability. The National Mathematics and Science College emerged victorious at Rugby, demonstrating exceptional skill under pressure.

Beyond the competition, Chemistry teachers networked and explored Rugby’s historic setting. A highlight was the presence of The Chemistry Race’s European organiser, Jan Hrubeš, who travelled from Prague to oversee the event and deliver an inspiring enrichment lecture to Rugby’s top Year 10 Chemistry students, sparking enthusiasm for future participation.

Now a key fixture in Rugby School’s academic calendar, The Chemistry Race challenges and inspires the brightest young chemists.

Dr Stephen Belding, Head of Chemistry at Rugby School, reflected: “Science rewards the bold, and Chemistry is no exception. The Chemistry Race isn’t just about getting the right answers—it’s about thinking fast, embracing challenge, and thriving under pressure. At Rugby, we don’t just teach Chemistry; we cultivate fearless thinkers and innovators ready to change the world.”

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