The annual ISA awards highlight the diverse range of strengths thriving within the independent school’s sector. The awards are a celebration of innovation, achievement and positive impact in developing the change-makers of tomorrow.
And it’s the school’s role in developing the change-makers of tomorrow where NLGS has flourished, establishing the International Greenwich Olympiad. Now entering its fifth year the IGO has gone from strength to strength, with the most recent event, which took place June 2025, attracting over 500 students from all over the world. The award is especially impressive as NLGS has a school register of less than 240 pupils and the IGO is organised by a small, committed team which coordinates the Olympiad alongside their regular teaching and staffing responsibilities.
Mr Lafcioglu, the school’s Head of Math and IGO coordinator, has been instrumental in starting and establishing the International Greenwich Olympiad as one of the UK’s most highly regarded Olympiads.
“The Olympiad has been very successful. It has really taken off, growing bigger each year, said Mr Lafcioglu.
“Last summer’s event involved over 500 students from 54 countries, and the standard an quality of the work presented was more impressive than ever.”
Sometimes described as ‘the Olympics for the brain’, North London Grammar School’s Olympiad is a project-based competition, built around scientific and creative challenges, which are designed to thoroughly test the students on multiple levels.
Mrs. Rahmova, one of IGO coordinators, explained that the projects and challenges given to students focus on solving both local and global problems.
“We look to ignite a lasting passion for science and technology in students globally by tapping into their innate curiosity, creativity, and desire to solve real-world problems.”
She added that there are different categories—covering scientific and non-scientific fields— and all of them are connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as well as UK values.
CATEGORIES
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Energy
- Environmental Sciences
- Social Sciences
- STEM Lesson Presentations
- Short Movies
- Art Competition
- Photography Contest
- Creative Writing
- Line Follower
- Sumo LEGO
- STEAM Storytelling
- Artificial Intelligence
- Public Speaking
The projects are designed to get the best out of the students and are rigorously assessed by a judging panel consisting of leading lights in the different fields.
From the moment when students raise their national flags side by side at the opening ceremony, to the sharing of traditional dress, music, and cuisine during Culture Night, the Olympiad fosters a global atmosphere of mutual respect and curiosity – celebrating diversity and sharing their ideas and passions.
Mrs Rahmova was also full of praise for the support of Queen Mary University of London, in providing a venue for the events and accommodation for the young participants.
“The support of QMUL has been invaluable, without the college’s commitment to the IGO, being able to deliver the kind of experience we want to the visiting students, would be more of a challenge.
“With the help of our Board of Advisors, sponsors, affiliated organisations, and QMUL, we create an environment in which students can present their innovative ideas to take on today’s challenges; to spark interest and awareness in our planet’s sustainability challenges and to help young people grasp the extent of these issues.”
Any school wishing to take part in IGO 2026 should go to: apply.igolondon.co.uk
