Schools' Analyst Competition 2027

The Schools' Analyst Competition is back for 2027! Register for a chance to receive one of 400 kits to be sent to schools in the UK and Ireland.*

The Challenge

A popular social media influencer has promoted a startup's new AI-developed Fragrance range, describing it as revolutionary and encouraging thousands of followers to try it. Shortly after the product was launched, customers begin reporting severe skin irritation and unexplained rashes. The company insists that its formulation is safe, but an initial investigation suggests that the AI may have introduced incorrect ingredients or altered their concentrations. Students are recruited as independent analytical chemists to analyse samples of the product and determine what it actually contains. They must identify the ingredients, measure their concentrations and compare their findings with the company's declared formulation.

The competition kits will allow teams of three students to compete against each other in a series of challenges combining analytical and forensic science! These flexible challenges will offer students the chance to apply their chemistry knowledge in a fun and rewarding way, with individual sessions able to be scheduled to fit around your timetable.

The Teams

The competition is for students aged approx. 16-17 years old equivalent to Year 12 in England and Wales, Y13 in Northern Ireland, S5 in Scotland, or 5th Year in Republic of Ireland. Teams of up to three students must work together to solve the challenges, answer questions, and submit their answers to the online portal.

The Numbers

We have removed the upper limit on participants - you can now register for your whole year group to participate if you have the space.

Collaboration between local schools is encouraged but not required. This year, when you register, there is an opportunity to tell us you're planning on hosting other schools in your local area or within an academy trust - you'll then receive a set of certificates for each school participating, not just the one winning team.

The Reward

The winning team from each school will receive a certificate to recognise their achievement but will also have their entries compared to the other winning teams in your region for the chance to be crowned champions! Regional winners will also receive a prize to acknowledge their achievement.

Important Information

Registration closes on Friday 26th February 2027.

By Friday 5th March, 400 entries will be selected at random to receive a box (this does mean not all entries are guaranteed to receive a box).

Boxes will be delivered to successful entrants during the week of 12th April.

Results must be submitted by:

Republic of Ireland: Friday 14th May 2027.

UK: Friday 18th June 2027.

(The different submission dates are to ensure Republic of Ireland schools have the chance to award winners before breaking up for the summer.)

For more information, please contact the Competition Coordinator via the Contact Information link below.

To register your interest, click on the Book Now button at the top right of this listing.

* Please note due to shipping constraints the competition is not open to entrants outside of the UK and Ireland.