Stoic success in the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Olympiad competition

Published by Stowe School on Wednesday 29th of April 2026

The Chemistry Olympiad is part of an international competition, the first round of which sees A Level pupils sit a written test of their chemical knowledge. This two-hour paper is based on real-world situations, deliberately challenging pupils to think beyond their A Level studies and encouraging a way of thinking more commonly found in university courses. 

Over 17,200 pupils from more than 1,150 schools took part in this year's competition, and questions were asked on a wide range of topics including ‘pee in the pool’ and ‘the chemistry of henna tattoos and minerals’. Paddington Bear, the competition’s official mascot, even made an appearance in a question about chemicals found in carrots. 

Three of our Sixth Form chemistry pupils achieved outstanding success this year. Elfyn Bunton (Upper Sixth, West) was awarded a Silver Certificate, whilst Arabella Fraser (Upper Sixth, Queen’s) and Eleanor Cheng (Lower Sixth, West) both earned Gold Awards, placing them among the top 8.5% of all students who took part. The Chemistry Department and Stowe community warmly congratulates all three Stoics on this excellent achievement.