North London Grammar School fosters global collaboration at IGO 2025
We are delighted to share this inspiring write-up on IGO 2025 – a truly global celebration of youth innovation, collaboration, and creativity. Events like the International Greenwich Olympiad reflect the power of education to transcend borders and build a more sustainable future.
We are especially proud to support our member school, North London Grammar School, for their incredible role in this year’s Olympiad. Their leadership and vision in bringing young minds together from across the world is a shining example of what independent schools can achieve.
At ISA, we are committed to championing opportunities that empower students to think critically, act compassionately, and make a meaningful impact on the world. IGO 2025 is a perfect illustration of these values in action.
The International Greenwich Olympiad (IGO 2025), now in its fourth year, unfolded across two iconic UK cities, bringing together exceptional young minds from around the world in a dynamic week of innovation, collaboration, and cultural exchange. Held from 22 to 28 June, the Olympiad welcomed 522 students aged 10 to 18, accompanied by 186 supervisors from 53 countries, presenting 356 cutting-edge projects across 13 categories.
This year, IGO saw not only a significant increase in global participants but also a notable rise in the number of UK schools involved compared to last year, underscoring its growing prestige and appeal as a leading international educational event. The Olympiad also launched new categories such as Health Sciences and Drama, broadening the scope of the competition and offering students fresh opportunities to showcase their talents both in art and science. The integration of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) throughout the competition inspired participants to align their projects with pressing global issues, encouraging innovative solutions with real-world impact.
The celebration officially began with a vibrant Opening Ceremony on 23 June at the historic Oxford Town Hall. Delegates were welcomed with keynote speeches from leaders in education, diplomacy, and science. A highlight of the evening was the Global Showcase, where students proudly paraded their national flags, reflecting the diversity and unity that define IGO. Adding to the evening’s spirit, a delightful performance by the North London Grammar School (NLGS) Junior School showcased the creativity and talent of the youngest participants, setting an inspiring tone for the week ahead.
“Amazing to see so many young people with a variety of talents and huge topics covered... I am proud that Oxford was able to host the Opening Ceremony,” said Councillor Andrew Gant, Sheriff of Oxford.
On 24 June, the competition moved to Queen Mary University of London, where the Bancroft Building hosted the much-anticipated Exhibition and Judging Day. Students presented high-calibre research and art projects tackling real-world issues aligned with the UN SDGs, including sustainability, health, education, art and technology.
Over 100 expert judges – spanning academia, industry, and research – engaged with participants in insightful discussions, offering constructive feedback and mentorship.
Séverine Trouillet, Chief Executive of STEM Learning, praised the event’s impact: “The projects I saw around the UN SDGs were very impressive, showing how young people want to tackle sustainability and climate change.”
Educators attending IGO 2025 also benefited from two professional development workshops. “From STEM to STEAM,” led by Gareth Campbell (The MoSAIC), encouraged integration of the arts into science education, while “From Problem to Prototype,” delivered by Andrew Cheung, focused on fostering resilience and critical thinking through hands-on experimentation.
Every day, students and supervisors participated in guided tours of London’s most iconic landmarks and popular tourist attractions. These carefully organised excursions provided an engaging way to experience the city’s rich cultural heritage, while encouraging intercultural exchange and friendship among participants.
The Olympiad concluded on 27 June with a prestigious Award Ceremony at the Greenwood Theatre, King’s College London. Gold, silver, and bronze medals were presented alongside certificates and honourable mentions, recognising exceptional talent, creativity, and commitment.
During the Award Ceremony, participating students also showcased their unique talents through cultural dances and musical performances, adding a vibrant celebration of global heritage to the event. This festive atmosphere set the stage for notable figures from local government and education to step forward, recognising and praising the students’ dedication, creativity, and vision during their heartfelt speeches.
Dr. Daniela Munca-Aftenev, Deputy Chief of the Chisinau Municipal Department of Education, Youth and Sport, Republic of Moldova, highlighted that: “This competition is an example of how science, art, creativity, and technology can bring everyone together. What the students have done this year is going to serve as an inspiration for many, many young people from all around the world.”
This year’s event not only showcased youth-led solutions to pressing global challenges but also fostered lasting international connections that will extend well beyond the competition itself. At the heart of this success is North London Grammar School (NLGS), a proud recent member of the UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet), whose commitment to academic excellence and global citizenship continues to inspire and empower young innovators.
NLGS eagerly anticipates active participation in the ASPnet community and is excited about the meaningful contributions it will make to the global network through the International Greenwich Olympiad. By nurturing creativity, collaboration, and leadership, IGO serves as a powerful platform for young people to turn their ideas into impactful actions that can shape a better tomorrow.
As participants return to their home countries, they carry not only medals and certificates but also fresh perspectives, enduring friendships, and a profound motivation to drive positive change in their communities and beyond. These young innovators embody the spirit of global citizenship and the belief that with knowledge and determination, no challenge is too great.
In the words of the visionary scientist Carl Sagan:
"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known."
The International Greenwich Olympiad is where that incredible something begins—sparked by the brilliance, passion, and dedication of the world’s youth.