Schools Competition


The winners of The Oxford Scientist Schools’ Science Writing Competition 2023 have been announced here


[Update: In an evolving landscape with generative AI tools, such as Chat GPT, we have successfully reworded our marking procedures to maintain fairness and rigour. While some competitions have ceased, we are delighted to be able to offer an updated version of the Oxford Scientist Schools’ Science Competition with new rewards for the winners.]

We are very pleased to announce that the details of the next competition (2024) will be announced in the coming weeks. Please check this page for updates for information on this term’s essay questions and how to submit your entry.

The 2023 Oxford Scientist Competition, which was more competitive and rewarding than ever, featured a distinguished panel of senior judges, including Nobel Prize-winning physician scientist Sir Peter Ratcliffe, Environmental Researcher Dr Anna Murgatroyd, Senior Researcher in Translational Proteomics Dr Darragh O’Brien and Postdoctoral Researcher Dr Hannah Jones. The competition was proudly organised by the Oxford Scientist team and led by the Competition Leads Franziska Guenther and Gavin Man.

Examples of winning essays from previous competitions can be found here. If you have any questions about the competition, please email [email protected].

Previous examples of competition essay questions are:

“How has Covid-19 changed public perception of Science?”

“Climate change: Science and Solutions”

Our Sponsors


This competition is proudly sponsored by UK Schooling is an education company based in Brighton and Hove, UK, which specialises in UK University preparation, subject tuition and Summer Exchange courses. UK Schooling runs many courses to help students to push beyond the curriculum and get ahead of the curve in their subject and classes for top school and university admissions in the UK. ukschooling.co.uk

We are also sponsored by Examable, a UK based educational firm that specialises in creating revision and learning resources for students applying to Top Independent Schools and for Leading UK Universities. Checked and approved by a team of Oxford University students, designers and GCSE & A level examiners. examable.co.uk