Student Success in National Physics Challenge
6.1 Physics A Level students have achieved outstanding success in the British Physics Olympiad Senior Physics Challenge 2026, one of the most demanding national physics competitions.
Designed to stretch the most able young physicists, the competition presents problems that go well beyond the A Level specification. Participants are required to apply fundamental principles to unfamiliar situations, testing both their depth of understanding and advanced problem-solving skills. Each year, more than 6,000 students from across the country take part.
This year, Esher 6.1 students secured an impressive set of results, earning:
13 Bronze
8 Silver (placing them in the top 27% nationally)
1 Gold, (awarded to the top 6.8% of participants)
The College would like to extend a special congratulations to Matthew F. who achieved Gold with recognition also going to Megan E, Benjamin S and Thomas S, who each achieved high Silver awards – an outstanding accomplishment.
Louise Perry, Teacher of Physics, congratulated all the students who participated:
We are immensely proud of all the students who participated and took on the challenge of the competition.
Annual Lord of the Rings Tournament
The second annual Esher Physics Tournament has once again showcased the creativity and analytical skill of 6.1 Physics A Level students, with three teams from the Physics and Engineering extension group going head-to-head in a unique academic challenge.
This year’s competition asked students to develop and present solutions to complex physics problems inspired by clips from The Lord of the Rings films. Teams were then rigorously challenged by their opponents, defending their reasoning and conclusions in a series of debates.
After an engaging and highly competitive set of rounds, one team emerged as this year’s winner. Pictured with the tournament trophy are Shailen B, Viktor M, Marcel T, Sasha M, Matthew F and Thomas S.
The event highlighted not only students’ problem-solving abilities but also their confidence in articulating and defending scientific ideas.
Congratulations go to the winning team, as well as to all three teams for delivering an impressive and spirited series of debates.
