Do you have what it takes to compete against the best schools from around the world?

British English Olympics

The British English Olympics (BEO) is more than a competition - it's a launchpad for future global leaders. We're looking for the brightest minds to join us. This isn't just about language; it's about igniting your potential and forging the skills you'll need to succeed. The BEO is a unique opportunity to challenge yourself, build both academic and soft skills, and gain essential real-world competencies. Beyond the competition, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in British culture and become a true citizen of the world. Step up, showcase your talents, and start your journey with us!

Registration 2026 Enquire

BEO Highlights

What are the benefits?

Linguistic agility and creative thinking

Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving

Get a head start on future international academic opportunities

Build knowledge & understanding of other cultures, become a global citizen

Improve your critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills

Develop key skills such as leadership, public speaking, team-building, negotiation and debating

About the programme

The British English Olympics expands students’ English and academic skills, whilst also being a unique life-changing experience!

Welcome to the British English Olympics, where your students can go beyond the classroom and become the leaders of tomorrow. This isn’t just an English competition. It’s a transformative experience designed to build crucial skills for the 21st century.

Develop Core Leadership Skills: through challenges focused on public speaking, teamwork, and time management, students will learn to collaborate effectively, support one another, and perform under pressure.
Explore Global Issues: our annual themes—which have previously covered topics like globalisation, sustainability and artificial intelligence—provide a platform for students to engage with vital global political and social issues, broadening their perspectives and fostering critical thinking.
Compete and Shine: your school will compete in a series of dynamic challenges, showcasing their talents and strategic thinking. Teams will be evaluated by an expert panel of judges, providing a rewarding and competitive environment.

Dates

Arrival 1

29 March 2026

Departure 1

12 April 2026

Arrival 2

30 March 2026

Departure 2

13 April 2026

Months
Days
Hours

Until next competition

Competition Stages

First Round

At each of our campuses, schools will be divided into two competition groups of 8-12 teams. These teams will compete against each other in all academic events. The top four teams from each competition group go forward to the semi-finals.

Semi-Finals

Semi-final competition groups are formed by 8 teams mixed from typically two different campuses. The teams compete in two events: a Mystery Event and a debate.

Grand Finals

The top two teams from each semi-final group will go through to the Grand Final. The Grand Final events are: a Mystery Event & The BEO Debate.

Judging & Prizes

CAMPUS AWARDS
Each campus will hold its own awards ceremony, with trophies awarded for the best performance of every event in each group. There will also be a ‘Fair Play’ award for the school that has contributed most to their campus and shown the best team spirit, along with awards for the talent show and individual excellence.

GRAND AWARD CEREMONY & PRIZES
The climax of the annual British English Olympics is the glittering closing awards ceremony, which takes place at a world-famous London venue and is attended by VIP guests – ambassadors, cultural attachés and business leaders from participating countries.

Cultural Programme

Three extended full-day visits to London and a full-day in Oxford or Cambridge are included in the programme. The programme will also include a visit to one historic / popular city depending on which centre you are competing. Some of the cities we have previously visited are Windsor, Brighton, Portsmouth and Stratford-upon-Avon.

Attractions

Entrance to the London Eye and a West End Musical included!

London Attractions

Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and many more!

Explore

Explore London and Oxford or Cambridge though expert walking tours!

Notable Sites

Museums, Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, Tower of London and more...

Timeline

Step 1

Schools register for the competition – Open now; click here to register!

Step 2

An Oxford International representative will arrange a video call to discuss all details of the competition and deadlines.

Step 3

In November, all registered schools will access our Academic Portal, where they can download the competition guidelines and academic materials.

Step 4

Teams work together and prepare for their events.

Step 5

Travel to the UK to represent your school and country!

Eligibility & Registration

HOW CAN YOU JOIN THE BRITISH ENGLISH OLYMPICS?

The BEO is a highly academic programme and we encourage you to select 10 to 20 of the most gifted students from your school to participate. Also, new for 2026 we’re opening up team numbers to a minimum of 6 per team!

ELIGIBILITY

Please complete the registration form that you will find at the top of the page. To enter the competition, schools must meet the following criteria:

Students must be between 12-16 years of age at the time of the competition.
Students should have a minimum of B1+ English level.
We recommend hat students must be accompanied by a dedicated teacher whose English proficiency is no lower than C1.

One of our experienced team members will be happy to arrange an online call to discuss the programme with you in detail prior to enrolling to ensure you are ready to join the programme.

Registration 2026