The Peterhouse Vellacott History Prize is a prestigious essay competition run by Peterhouse, a college at the University of Cambridge. Open to Year 12 students (or equivalent), the prize encourages independent historical research and critical writing skills. It provides an opportunity for students to engage deeply with a historical topic of their choice, showcasing their analytical abilities and academic potential. Winning or being shortlisted for the prize is a valuable achievement, particularly for those considering studying history or related subjects at university.

The Biology and Maths Olympiads are prestigious competitions designed to challenge and inspire students with a passion for these subjects.

• British Biology Olympiad (BBO): Organised by the Royal Society of Biology, this competition is open to students aged 16-18. It tests problem-solving skills and biological knowledge beyond the A Level curriculum, with top performers progressing to represent the UK in the International Biology Olympiad.

• UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT) Maths Olympiad: This includes competitions such as the British Mathematical Olympiad (BMO) and the Intermediate & Senior Maths Challenges, designed to test mathematical reasoning, creativity, and problem-solving skills. High-achieving students may be invited to take part in international competitions, including the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).

Both Olympiads offer students an opportunity to deepen their subject knowledge, gain recognition for their abilities, and strengthen university applications, especially for competitive STEM courses.

The Royal Society of Biology Challenge is a national competition designed to test and inspire students who have an interest in biology. It is organised by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB).

The challenge consists of online multiple-choice questions covering a range of biological topics, encouraging students to apply their knowledge, think critically, and engage with real-world biological issues. It serves as an excellent introduction to competitive biology assessments and helps prepare students for more advanced competitions like the British Biology Olympiad.

High-achieving participants receive Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards, providing valuable recognition of their skills and enthusiasm for the subject.

The SAA Artist of the Year Competition is a prestigious annual art competition run by the Society for All Artists (SAA), one of the UK’s largest art communities. Open to artists of all abilities, from beginners to professionals, the competition celebrates creativity across a variety of mediums, including painting, drawing, and mixed media.

Entrants can submit their work into different categories, with winners receiving prizes, recognition, and the opportunity to have their artwork showcased in exhibitions. The competition is a fantastic opportunity for artists to gain exposure, develop their skills, and engage with a wider artistic community.

The Worcester College, Oxford Carol Competition 2020 was a prestigious composition competition run by Worcester College, University of Oxford. It invited young composers to create an original Christmas carol, with the winning entry performed by the Worcester College Chapel Choir.

The competition aimed to inspire and support emerging composers, encouraging creativity in choral writing. Open to school and university students, it provided a unique opportunity for young musicians to have their work recognised and showcased in a professional setting.

The Euclid Award for Mathematics is a prestigious recognition given to students who demonstrate exceptional ability in mathematics. It is often associated with the Euclid Mathematics Contest, an internationally recognised competition run by the University of Waterloo in Canada.

The contest challenges students with advanced problem-solving questions, encouraging logical reasoning and creative thinking beyond standard school curricula. High-achieving participants may receive certificates, medals, or scholarships, making the award a valuable addition to university applications, particularly for STEM-related courses.

The Ogden Trust School Physicist of the Year Award is a prestigious recognition presented to a student who has shown exceptional talent and enthusiasm in the field of physics. Organised by the Ogden Trust, a charity that aims to inspire and support young people in pursuing careers in science and physics, the award highlights outstanding achievement in physics at the school level.

The award typically celebrates students who have demonstrated both a deep understanding of physics concepts and a passion for the subject, often through extra-curricular activities, personal projects, or academic excellence. It is an excellent opportunity for students interested in pursuing a career in physics or related fields to gain recognition and further encouragement.

The Young Walter Scott Prize for Creative Writing is a prestigious competition that encourages young writers to explore historical themes and develop their creative writing skills. Open to students aged 11-19, the competition invites entries that engage with history in imaginative ways, often drawing inspiration from the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction.

The competition celebrates storytelling and historical imagination, challenging students to create original works of fiction that reflect the depth and complexity of history. Winners are typically awarded prizes, including opportunities for further development of their writing, as well as public recognition. This award is a fantastic platform for aspiring writers interested in historical fiction or creative writing.

The National Association of Teachers of Religious Education (NATRE) Award is a prestigious recognition for students who demonstrate outstanding engagement, knowledge, and analytical skills in Religious Education (RE). It is designed to celebrate excellence in the subject, encouraging students to think critically about philosophical, ethical, and theological issues.

The award is often given to students who show a deep understanding of religious and secular worldviews, engage thoughtfully with complex questions, and display strong essay-writing or debating skills. It is a valuable achievement for those interested in humanities, theology, philosophy, or related fields.