King's Ely Senior students compete in 'Top of the Bench' Chemistry contest

We were delighted to take part in the Royal Society of Chemistry 2025 'Top of the Bench' Competition.

King's Ely Senior students, Alexander Reynolds, Niamh Quinn, Malachai Dalgliesh, and Amélie Griffiths travelled to The Open University headquarters in Milton Keynes to compete against fourteen other schools in the regional round of the annual contest.

Although we did not win (congratulations to Aldenham School!), it was a fantastic opportunity and experience for our young chemists.

Dr Gleb Aleshin, who is one of our Chemistry Teachers at King's Ely Senior, said: "The students started by completing a challenging crossword before heading off to the labs to investigate how changing concentration affects the rate of the iodine clock reaction. They loved the experience of using university level equipment and glassware, whilst the teachers enjoyed a tour of the department. It was an incredibly interesting experience for both students and staff."

The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) has been organising the 'Top of the Bench' Competition for more than twenty years. Secondary school students from across the UK can take part.

Good luck to all our Years 11-13 students who are participating in the UK Chemistry Olympiad, also organised by the RSC, on January 23rd!