Writes Pranay P. (U6ths)
Run by Homerton College, the Cambridge Biology Challenge is a nationwide competition that challenges students to think deeply about the biology underpinning life.
Spanning from November 2025 to February 2026, the competition saw four unique questions released each month. At Taylors’, nearly twenty teams from both the Divisions and Sixth Form entered this year’s competition, which had over 2000 teams competing. Several Divisions teams entered as part of the Divisions’ Scholars’ programme.
Teams were given the freedom to choose how they presented their responses, with options including posters, videos, podcasts and essays. This encouraged imagination and creativity, resulting in everything from a Frankenstein-themed video exploring the opening question, “Can we create new life?”, to podcasts investigating “Why is maths a ‘gift’ for biologists?”
Ultimately, the challenge is designed to mirror the university-style questions students may encounter at interview, while providing exposure to and encouraging engagement with scientific research. It put a range of skills to the test, challenging both L6th and Division pupils to utilise multiple resources, think critically, and communicate complex ideas effectively through their research and presentations.
The Taylors’ boys performed brilliantly, with many teams across both the Division and Sixth Form ranking in the top twenty nationally, and one team finishing an impressive 10th – well done to Kieran K. and Rien D. (both U6ths)! A Divisions team was also named runner-up for Best Presentation in Round 3, answering “What does it mean for a non-human organism to be intelligent?”.
Hassan F. (5ths) also spoke about the competition at a Mulcaster House assembly, inspiring others to get involved in next year’s challenge. Well done to everyone involved in the challenge, and thanks to the teachers who supported the boys throughout their projects!
