Open to students aged 16 to 18 studying geology, geography, or science, the Schools Geology Challenge provides an opportunity for students to showcase their passion for geoscience and demonstrate their teamwork, creativity, and presentation skills. Students can win up to £500 for their school to spend on geoscience as well as a coveted Schools Geology Challenge trophy.
The challenge is split into two sections. First, school teams (of up to six students) must submit an entry to the online qualifiers by producing a piece of media for an online audience on any geoscience topic. Multiple teams can enter from one school. Past entries have included informational videos, songs, fully-fledged websites, and interactive games. Teams are marked on scientific content, effective communication and creativity.
The top ten teams from the qualifier round will then compete in a problem-solving exercise held in person at the Society’s historic home, Burlington House. While the exact task is revealed on the day, past examples are available on our website (and these exercises have also been reworked so that teachers can run them in their own classrooms). The final is judged by a range of industry professionals who also give talks about their careers and experiences. The Society will reimburse travel-related costs for those teams selected for the final.
Discover what one teacher attending the 2025 final had to say about the experience:
The final challenge was fantastic. Taking the group to the Geological Society building and having them surrounded by such motivating specialists was a really strong opportunity that many of them would not have had before. All the groups commented on how inspiring the judges were, in fields that they had either not heard of or hadn’t really thought of.
“The students enjoyed the group project aspect and commended the individual parts they played. Though they did not win, they were not disheartened and instead found it such a good day that they were happy to be in the final. The competition was well done, allowing all students to access the material and feel able to compete, despite not having studied geology. From a social side, students were able to connect with others from around the country, many of my students left with new friends and it was lovely for teachers to have time to talk. Overall, a well-organised event that left both students and teachers in a very positive mood.
Ashley Akingbade Senior Education Officer, Geological Society of London
