Cambridge Chemistry Challenge awards for college learners

A level Chemistry learners from Solihull Sixth Form College took on the demanding Cambridge Chemistry Challenge in Year 12 and at the start of Year 13 25 students were presented with their certificates by Principal Martin Sullivan.

69 chemists sat the challenging 90-minute paper earlier this year, with 14 young people achieving the Copper award and 11 attaining the Silver prize.

Set by a team of university chemists, the competition aims to take Year 12 learners significantly beyond their A level syllabus and encourage them to think about science in the way undergraduate students need to at university.

Chemistry curriculum leader Simon Windsor commented: "I'm proud of all 69 learners who took on this extremely difficult Cambridge Chemistry Challenge. There was no requirement to participate, but these young people wanted to challenge themselves with some extremely advanced Chemistry.

“The experience will benefit them in their preparations for their A level examinations this summer and for their progression onto Higher Education, with many of them considering further study of Chemistry."

The learners who the best results in the Challenge were Haris Abdul Jameen, Aayan Ali, Mohammad Anees, Rahmanur Chowdhury, Oscar Cliff-Hall, Isaac Fee, Tauhid Iqbal, Shirush Santhirakumar, Theo Scott, Sophia Thom and Paige Turley. They all achieved a Silver certificate.

Anyone wanting to find out more about the A level Chemistry course at the College is urged to attend an open event this year. Current Year 11 learners, looking for A level, BTEC and T level places for September 2026 can book places for Open Day on Saturday 18 October 2025 HERE.

Pictured: Chemistry learners with College Principal Martin Sullivan and Chemistry teachers