British Mathematical Olympiad Round 1 (BMO1)
BMO1 is a 3.5-hour proof-based mathematics competition featuring six challenging problems requiring complete written solutions.
MATHEMATICS
British Mathematical Olympiad Round 1 (BMO1)
Competition Overview
Academic Value / Why Participate
BMO1 develops rigorous proof-writing, creativity, resilience and mathematical communication beyond routine syllabus questions. It gives strong students the opportunity to explore demanding problems in depth and present complete mathematical arguments.
Who It Suits
BMO1 is suited to highly able senior secondary students who enjoy unfamiliar, proof-based mathematics and are comfortable spending sustained time developing and explaining a solution.
Prerequisites and Readiness
There is no fixed syllabus. Candidates should be comfortable with non-routine algebra, Euclidean geometry, number theory and combinatorics, and should be able to justify each step of a written solution.
ROUND 1
Open Round
Exam Date & Time
17:00-20:30, Thu 19 Nov 2026
Registration Deadline
Thursday, 12 November 2026
FURTHER ROUNDS & PROGRESSION
Explore the later stages of the competition. Progression is subject to the organiser's current qualification requirements.
Semifinal Round
The Semifinal Round builds on the earlier stage with more advanced questions and deeper application.
Exam Date & Time
Saturday, 16 May 2026 · 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (NZT)
Registration Deadline
Friday, 1 May 2026 · 11:59 pm (NZT)
Semifinal Round
The Semifinal Round builds on the earlier stage with more advanced questions and deeper application.
Exam Date & Time
Saturday, 16 May 2026 · 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (NZT)
Registration Deadline
Friday, 1 May 2026 · 11:59 pm (NZT)
Semifinal Round
The Semifinal Round builds on the earlier stage with more advanced questions and deeper application.
Exam Date & Time
Saturday, 16 May 2026 · 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (NZT)
Registration Deadline
Friday, 1 May 2026 · 11:59 pm (NZT)
Semifinal Round
The Semifinal Round builds on the earlier stage with more advanced questions and deeper application.
Exam Date & Time
Saturday, 16 May 2026 · 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (NZT)
Registration Deadline
Friday, 1 May 2026 · 11:59 pm (NZT)
All resources
Past Papers
Guide
Rules and
Exam Instructions
A GOOD PLACE TO BEGIN
RESOURCES & PAST PAPERS
Find available practice, curriculum guidance and competition rules.
Practice
THE RIGHT SUPPORT. AT YOUR STAGE
PREPARATION COURSES
Explore the programme, choose a teaching format and review the full tuition before enrolling.
CLASS
Placement for Advanced Class is confirmed after consultation.
STAGE
REGULAR CLASS · OPEN ROUND PREPARATION
Open Round Preparation
Build neuroscience knowledge, then apply it to research figures, experimental evidence and unfamiliar questions.
16 hours total
8 x 2-hour lessons
· Connect neural structures with function and disease.
· Intepret graphs, experiments and research extracts.
· Complete an Open Round-style mock with an individual error review.
Session 1 — Foundations
……Session 2 — Core concepts
……Session 3 — Problem solving
……
Choose your teaching format
Small-group preparation with up to 3 students, offering structured teaching, guided practice and personalised feedback.
16 hours · 8 × 2-hour sessions
NZ$1,060
per student · full programme
Focused preparation for two students learning together, with guided teaching, targeted practice and personalised feedback.
16 hours · 8 × 2-hour sessions
NZ$1,280
per student · full programme
Fully personalised one-to-one preparation with teaching, practice and feedback tailored to the student's needs.
16 hours · 8 × 2-hour sessions
NZ$1,840
per student · full programme
Select a teaching format to view tuition, lesson format and enrolment details.
Competition Gallery
Submission and Confirmation
Please check your email address carefully before submitting the registration form.
Once you submit the form, you will receive a confirmation email automatically.
All other important communications (including the Exam Instructions, Results and Certificates, etc) will be sent to the email address you submitted to us. Please check your email inbox and junk mail / spam folder regularly!
What Happens Next?
1
2
3
4
Registration Received
We will send you a confirmation email
We may review your registration if required
Eligibility Review
You will receive the Exam Instructions closer to the date
Exam Instructions
Participate and do your best!
Competition Day
Competition Overview
British Mathematical Olympiad Round 1 (BMO1)
The British Mathematical Olympiad Round 1 (BMO1) is a 3.5-hour proof-based mathematics competition featuring six challenging problems. Students must present complete written solutions, with clear reasoning and rigorous mathematical communication.
BMO1 develops rigorous proof-writing, creativity, resilience and mathematical communication beyond routine syllabus questions. It gives strong students the opportunity to explore demanding problems in depth and present complete mathematical arguments.
BMO1 is suited to highly able senior secondary students who enjoy unfamiliar, proof-based mathematics and are comfortable spending sustained time developing and explaining a solution.
BMO1 is marked out of 60, with 10 marks available for each of the six problems. Partial credit may be awarded for clear mathematical progress. Certificates, medals and book prizes are awarded according to annual score thresholds.
BMO1 provides a demanding national-level proof competition and formal recognition for strong mathematical problem-solving, reasoning and written presentation.