Problem Solving Challenge

Teams of six students take on an unseen problem solving challenge testing their STEM, teamwork skills and creativity.  


See below for upcoming dates and previous challenges. 
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Year 6

Primary Problem Solving Challenge


Primary Problem Solving 2025/26

Bookings Now Open


Teams of six Year 6 students will have the task of solving a given problem with only the materials provided to them, using their knowledge, skills, team-work, creativity and ingenuity. 


Each heat take place from 12:45 to 3pm


Heat 1: Haslemere schools - Woolmer Hill
Tuesday 14th October 2025


Heat 2: Camberley schools - Kings International
Wednesday 15th October 2025


Heat 3: Sutton schools - Sutton High
Tuesday 11th November 2025


Heat 4: Farnham schools - More House School
Wednesday 12th November 2025


Heat 5: Guildford Schools - Merrow Junior School

Tuesday 18th November 2025


Judging takes place at the event and the highest placed team from each heat advances to the Grand Final, with a chance to win the coveted trophy.


Final: Wednesday 28th January 2026
Guildford College


There is a small booking fee of £25 per team.


To book, please click the link in the flyer you can find here


Further information can be found in our FAQs


Problem Solving Challenge In Action

The Secondary Problem Solving Challenge is an annual event which progresses through 5 regional heats to a Grand Final.  It has been running for over 30 years and will involve over 600 students 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!