Top UK Performer Aryan Wins Silver at Biology Olympiad

Back in April, we shared the exciting news that sixth former Aryan would represent the UK at the International Biology Olympiad (IBO) in the Philippines. He has now returned with a silver medal and the distinction of being the top-performing member of the UK team, placing 40th overall among nearly 300 of the world’s brightest young biologists.

The IBO brought together students from 77 countries for two intense days of exams at Ateneo University. The practical exams stretched until midnight, while the theory paper, though shorter, was no less demanding. Away from the exam halls, Aryan joined fellow competitors for opening and closing ceremonies, excursions to the capital and the beach, and the chance to meet peers from every corner of the globe.

Preparation for the competition was months in the making. Aryan worked through practice papers and tackled topics beyond the UK curriculum before joining the team for practical training in Reading and London. On arrival in the Philippines, the UK students also trained with competition jury members. “They were brilliant,” Aryan said. “They helped us prepare without ever putting pressure on us, which made the whole experience enjoyable as well as challenging.”

Winning silver was a moment Aryan is still absorbing. “If you’d told me a year ago that I’d represent the UK, win a silver medal and be the top UK scorer, I wouldn’t have believed you. It’s been as surprising as it has been rewarding – something I’ll never forget.”

This rounded off an extraordinary summer for Aryan and given him a clear glimpse of the scientific path he hopes to follow at Cambridge. We wish him and all his classmates the very best as they await their A level results next week.