Rugby Students Excel in National Chemistry Olympiad

Rugby School students have once again demonstrated their academic strength, this time in the prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry Olympiad – an ultra-curricular competition designed for the most able Year 13 chemists in the UK.

Over 16,000 students nationwide took part in this year’s paper, which stretches well beyond the A-level syllabus and includes challenging questions based on first-year undergraduate material. The competition places a strong emphasis on application, analysis and evaluation – hallmarks of advanced scientific thinking. Rugby’s Chemistry students rose to the occasion, with 11 pupils achieving Gold Awards, placing them in the top 8% nationally. This accounts for approximately 1% of all Golds awarded across the country – an outstanding result and a real testament to their dedication and resilience over the past two years.

Dr Stephen Belding, Head of Chemistry at Rugby School, reflected:

“The Olympiad pushes students to think independently and creatively, and it’s always impressive to see just how well they respond. Their success is a reflection of sustained hard work, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace challenge – qualities we’re proud to nurture in our Chemistry department.”

The Chemistry Olympiad continues to be a highlight of the academic year, offering students the chance to explore the subject in greater depth and measure themselves against the very best in the country.