Enjoy Puzzles? Join the UK Bebras Challenge 2026
How do you find a pattern, work through a set of rules, or break a complicated problem into smaller steps?
These are the kinds of questions students explore in the UK Bebras Challenge—an online challenge that introduces computational thinking through engaging puzzles. No programming experience is required, making it an accessible opportunity for students to discover a different side of computing.
PINNACLE invites students in New Zealand to take part in our November sitting.
What Is the UK Bebras Challenge?
Organised by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, the UK Bebras Challenge gives students 45 minutes to solve interactive tasks suited to their age group. The questions focus on how students approach unfamiliar problems, rather than how much computing knowledge they already have.
Students use skills such as recognising patterns, following logical steps, testing possible solutions and deciding which information matters. These ideas underpin computer science and are useful in many other areas of learning.
Why Take Part?
For students who enjoy puzzles, Bebras offers a chance to apply their curiosity to a new kind of challenge. For those who have never tried computing, it provides a welcoming starting point.
The tasks encourage students to think carefully, try different approaches and keep working when the answer is not immediately obvious. Students do not need to solve every question: the challenge is designed to stretch their thinking, and they can move on to another task when they get stuck.
Whether your child already loves mathematics and technology or simply enjoys figuring things out, Bebras is an opportunity to explore their problem-solving interests.
Who Can Participate?
The UK challenge offers age groups for students aged 6–19. For families in New Zealand, Years 2–13 is an approximate guide; the appropriate group depends on the student’s age and the competition’s entry requirements.
Previous coding experience or computing study is not required.
PINNACLE’s 2026 Sitting
Date: Thursday, 12 November 2026
Time: 5:00–5:45 pm, New Zealand daylight time (NZDT)
Format: Supervised online challenge
PINNACLE registration fee: NZ$35 per student
Registration deadline: Sunday, 8 November 2026, at 5:00 pm NZDT
Please enter your email address carefully when registering and follow the payment instructions in the form. Participation is subject to the organiser’s eligibility requirements and PINNACLE’s confirmation.
Ready to Give It a Go?
You do not need to know how to code to start thinking like a problem solver.
Join the UK Bebras Challenge through PINNACLE and spend 45 minutes exploring puzzles that reward curiosity, careful thinking and persistence.
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