Problem Solving Challenge
Teams of six students in Key Stage groups take on an unseen problem solving challenge testing their STEM and work skills. We hold area heats to compete for a space at the Grand Final.
See below for upcoming dates and booking information.
Years 7-13
Secondary Problem Solving Challenge 2025
The five regional heats of the Problem Solving Challenge 2025 are:
4th February 2025 - St John the Baptist, Woking - Fully Booked
11th February 2025 - Tomlinscote School, Camberley
27th February 2025 - George Abbot School, Guildford - Fully Booked
6th March 2025 - St Bede's School, Redhill
13th March 2025 - St Philomena's School, Carshalton - Fully Booked
The Grand Final Date and venue will be announced shortly
Teams will be set a problem to solve, using only the materials provided, within a fixed time. Schools will submit all team entries for judging. Winners and Runners-Up from heats in each key stage will be put through to the final. Note: only one Key Stage team per school.
Student Quotes - What did you enjoy most?
- "Thinking outside the box and having to work well as a team in a stressful and time sensitive situation."
- "As a team we most enjoyed collaborating and communicating ideas in order to maximise success and minimise margin for error."
- "Being together as a team, tension created excitement."
- "It was a really fun experience with enjoyment throughout."
Download Flyer here
Download Booking Form here
Download FAQs here
Prices: £35 for 1 team, £70 for 2 teams, £90 for 3 teams attending.
Problem Solving Challenge In Action
The Problem Solving Challenge is an annual event which progresses through 5 regional heats to a Grand Final. It has been running for over 20 years and will involve nearly 1000 student annually.
Teams compete in teams of six in a desktop engineering challenge for one and half hours using only the materials and guidance provided in a pack. Each team is judged on reaching a defined set of goals be that height, length, speed or time. The challenge is to solve the problem using ingenuity, team work and creativity based on STEM skills.
Click the button below to watch the 2018 final!
