The Schools' Analyst Competition is back for 2026! Register for a chance to receive one of 400 kits to be sent to schools in the UK and Ireland.*
The Challenge
The competition kits will allow teams of three students to compete against each other in a series of challenges combining forensic and cosmetic 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 tough questions, and submit their answers to the online portal.
The Numbers
For 2026 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 27th February 2026.
By Friday 6th 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 13th April.
Results must be submitted by:
Republic of Ireland: Friday 15th May 2026.
UK: Friday 19th June 2026.
(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 not due to shipping constraints the competition is not open to entrants outside of the UK and Ireland.
The Challenge
The competition kits will allow teams of three students to compete against each other in a series of challenges combining forensic and cosmetic 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 tough questions, and submit their answers to the online portal.
The Numbers
For 2026 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 27th February 2026.
By Friday 6th 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 13th April.
Results must be submitted by:
Republic of Ireland: Friday 15th May 2026.
UK: Friday 19th June 2026.
(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 not due to shipping constraints the competition is not open to entrants outside of the UK and Ireland.
