Millfield Chemists Excel in Prestigious Olympiad

Millfield students have achieved outstanding success in this year’s Royal Society of Chemistry Olympiad, demonstrating exceptional problem-solving skills and academic ambition in one of the UK’s most demanding chemistry competitions.

Students across the Sixth Form were recognised with impressive results in the national challenge. At gold level, awarded to the top 8.5% nationally, Upper Sixth students Raiyaa A and Alex H achieved the highest honours.

Silver awards, placing students in the top third nationally, were earned by Lower Sixth students Araba T, Deacon E, Elis D and Pierluigi T, alongside Upper Sixth students Leo A and Dhruv S.

A strong cohort of Lower Sixth students also secured bronze awards, including Aadya A, Dora J, Alasdair W, Lottie G, Romi B, Arjumand B, Monty P-B and Toby M, reflecting the depth of talent within the department.

The Chemistry Olympiad is a rigorous two-hour written assessment featuring real-world chemistry problems. It challenges students to think creatively, apply their knowledge in unfamiliar contexts and develop advanced critical thinking skills.

Students prepared for the competition through extension work and enrichment opportunities within the department, building confidence in tackling complex material beyond the A-level curriculum.

Upper Sixth student Raiyaa enjoyed the competition, “The Chemistry Olympiad was challenging but very fun! I found the problem stems particularly engaging as it was interesting to see different areas of chemistry intersect. It was an enjoyable experience, regardless of winning gold.”

Head of Chemistry, Jonathan Casalis De Pury said, “I am incredibly impressed by the students who chose to take part in the RSC Chemistry Olympiad this year. They demonstrated real intellectual ambition, resilience, and brilliance in tackling an exceptionally demanding national competition, representing themselves and Millfield Chemistry superbly. Their success reflects a genuine desire to push themselves beyond the curriculum and engage with one of the UK’s most respected and academically rigorous chemistry challenges.”

Millfield supports pupils in a wide range of external academic competitions, including Olympiads in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Linguistics, and Informatics, as well as the Intermediate and Senior Mathematics Challenges.