Frequently Asked Questions

The KGL Contest English Olympiad is an international English language competition organised by the International Testing Authority (ITA). It gives eligible learners an opportunity to use their English, challenge themselves and celebrate their progress.

The contest is for students up to the age of 17 who are learning English as a foreign language. Candidates must meet the current level and maximum age requirements for their chosen category. Native English speakers are not eligible.

The three stages are Discovery (Stage 1), the National Finals (Stage 2), and the Global Finals at the Global Event. Candidates progress according to the qualification rules and must remain eligible throughout.

The standard categories are Pre-A1, A1, A2, B1 and B2, aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). A1 Senior and C1 are available only where ITA has specifically announced them.

KGL is a contest. Its certificates recognise participation, achievement or awards in the competition. They are not a substitute for a separate English language qualification.

No special contest course is required. Continue your normal English learning and try the available practice papers to understand the tasks and check your level. Your teacher should also consider your independent work when advising you.

Choose the CEFR category that reflects your current English proficiency. Use the KGL eligibility checker and automatically marked past papers, together with your teacher’s assessment. Age, school year and coursebook title do not establish your level.

The standard age bands are shown below. A permitted age band does not make every listed level suitable: you must also be at that current level. If your age or circumstances are not covered, ask your Country Partner before registering.

A1 Senior is available only where announced by ITA, for ages 13–15, subject to current-level eligibility. C1 requirements are published with the relevant announcement.

No. You must compete at your genuine current level. A candidate already operating above a category is not eligible to enter that category, whether or not they hold a certificate showing their higher ability.

You enter one level and retain it throughout the contest.

If you entered the immediately preceding contest but did not reach the National Finals, you may repeat that level in the next contest only, provided it is still your current level and you meet the maximum age limit. Reaching the National Finals means this repeat option does not apply.

No. A1 Senior is not an automatic repeat route for candidates who have completed A1. You progress to the next eligible level, taking account of your current proficiency and the categories available in your country.

KGL papers are pitched at the upper end of each level and may contain elements from the next level. Some challenging questions are expected. This does not justify entering below your current proficiency level.

KGL carries out additional checks on writing at the National Finals and Global Finals to help confirm that candidates have entered at their current level. The process protects candidates who are competing in the appropriate category.

CEFR specialists assess the writing without seeing the candidate’s name, country or entered level. Separate markers assess it against the entered category and consider whether it is consistent with that level. KGL compares the findings and reviews material differences.

No. Learners naturally use language from different levels. An advanced word, structure or expression is not enough to establish incorrect entry. Review concerns writing that consistently demonstrates a materially higher level.

No. Write naturally and do your best. Do not try to hide your ability, deliberately add errors or restrict your language to create a misleading impression of your level. Choose the appropriate entry category before the contest.

The finding can affect the writing mark and eligibility to progress. Where review confirms entry materially below demonstrated ability, the entry may be disqualified, progression may be refused, and 1st, 2nd or 3rd place cannot be awarded in that category.

No. Discovery qualification does not, by itself, validate the entry level. The eligibility rules and Level Verification requirements continue to apply at later stages.

Candidates must work independently. Copying, prohibited assistance or other breaches may lead to disqualification at any stage. Places and prizes may also be withdrawn if a breach is discovered after results have been published.

Register through your school or KGL Country Partner using the procedure for your country. Ask them for the entry deadline, Discovery and National Finals dates, venue and delivery instructions. Dates may vary between countries to accommodate local academic calendars and arrangements.

Your Country Partner confirms the applicable entry fee, payment arrangements and any local terms before registration.

Qualifying candidates do not pay an additional contest fee to progress to the National Finals or the Global Event. For invited finalists and approved accompanying delegates, ITA-KGL covers accommodation with breakfast and dinner during the official event, organised excursions and tours, and the awards ceremony. ITA-KGL also provides the announced prizes. ITA-KGL does not cover travel or visa costs. Responsibility for travel arrangements, visa applications and associated costs is agreed locally between the Country Partner and participants. See FAQ 7.5 for accommodation details.

Late entries cannot be accepted. Check your name, date of birth and level before the closing date and report errors through your school or Country Partner immediately. Changes cannot be made after the registration deadline and portal closure.

Discovery assesses reading, vocabulary and grammar through multiple-choice questions. It lasts 45 minutes at Pre-A1 and 60 minutes at A1 to B2.

Follow your venue’s instructions about arrival time, identification and permitted materials. For paper delivery, bring the specified pen. Personal phones, smartwatches, translators, dictionaries, notes and AI tools are prohibited. For approved online delivery, use only the authorised computer setup.

Tell your school or Country Partner promptly. During a test, alert the invigilator immediately and follow their instructions.

Discovery answer sheets are marked electronically. The National Finals include listening, reading and a writing task. Writing is marked for high-scoring candidates to determine winning places and the Commended category, with the Level Verification rules also applying.

Discovery results are normally released around three weeks after the test, and National Finals rankings around one month after that stage. Release dates vary by country. Check the KGL Results Portal after your country’s official release or ask your school or Country Partner.

You need your Candidate Number and Token from your Statement of Entry. If you cannot find them or cannot access your result, contact your school or Country Partner. Keep your access details private.

National Finals results show rankings and award categories, without a detailed score breakdown. Your National Finals placement shows where you finished among finalists at your level in your country.

If candidates have the same score, the younger candidate receives the higher place. This applies to the National Finals and the Global Event Final Test.

Yes. Every candidate receives a certificate. National awards recognise 1st, 2nd and 3rd places and Commended candidates at each level. Schools with winners also receive recognition. Your Country Partner will explain local certificate and award distribution.

Certificates are normally sent to Country Partners approximately twenty days after the relevant results are released; local distribution may take longer.

Raise any request through your KGL Country Partner, not directly with ITA. The Rules and Regulations provide for an external remark and inquiry report for the applicable administration fee. ITA-KGL’s decisions on results are final; a request does not guarantee a changed outcome.

Contact the official Country Partner to confirm participation, portal access and local arrangements. Introduce the contest to eligible learners and parents, use the available information pack and practice papers, and check each candidate’s current level before entering them.

Check each candidate’s name, date of birth, current level, previous KGL participation and the relevant maximum age limits. Explain the rules and obtain the required parent or guardian agreement. Check the final registration list before the deadline.

There are three routes: qualification on merit through Discovery, School Guaranteed Places, and KGL Rescue Cards. All candidates must meet the eligibility, fair-play and Level Verification requirements. School Guaranteed Places and Rescue Cards are optional; schools wishing to use them must submit nominations through the KGL Portal by the stated deadline.

The merit route selects the top 10% nationally within each level, not the top 10% of each school. Separately, a school receives one guaranteed National Finals place for each complete group of 10 entries: 10 entries give one place, 20 give two and 30 give three. Unused School Guaranteed Places and Rescue Cards expire at the nomination deadline.

A school receives one Rescue Card for each complete group of 20 entries. Schools are encouraged to nominate eligible candidates who took Discovery, received a result and did not qualify, particularly where illness or personal difficulties may have affected their performance. Selection is at the school’s discretion; supporting evidence is not required. Submit nominations through the KGL portal by the stated deadline.

A candidate needs only one place. A student already qualified on merit should not also occupy a School Guaranteed Place or a Rescue Card nomination.

No. All eligible finalists compete under the same rules and assessment standards, regardless of their route into the National Finals. A guaranteed place or Rescue Card is an opportunity to compete, not a guaranteed award or Global Event invitation.

School participation is recognised through Silver status at 20 or more entries, Gold at 40 or more, and Platinum at 60 or more under the school scheme. This status is separate from candidate qualification and school award certificates. Confirm the current scheme and certificate or logo-use arrangements with your Country Partner.

The Global Finals are the final contest stage. They take place as part of the Global Event, which also brings selected finalists and their accompanying delegates together for cultural activities and shared experiences. The programme and location are announced for each event.

National 1st-place winners at A1, A2, B1 and B2 may be invited, subject to eligibility and the country’s allocation. An award does not automatically guarantee attendance. Country Partners confirm invitations under the arrangements approved by ITA.

There is no Pre-A1 category in the Global Event Final Test. Pre-A1 winners receive their national awards instead.

Finalists may be accompanied by teachers or school representatives and KGL Country Partners under the approved delegation arrangements. Schools with fewer than 10 Discovery entries may not send a school representative to the Global Event.

Accommodation with breakfast and dinner is provided for invited finalists and approved accompanying delegates for the dates stated in the invitation. Finalists share twin rooms allocated by gender, age and level, and teachers share twin rooms. Organised excursions, tours and the awards ceremony are included. ITA-KGL does not cover travel or visa costs. Check the invitation for the covered nights and programme.

Follow the deadlines in your event invitation and Country Partner’s instructions. Attendance and travel arrangements must be confirmed on time, including visas where required. A visa that is not issued by the stipulated deadline may prevent participation.

No Global Finals practice tests are provided. Follow the official information about exercise types and the programme which is issued prior to the Global Event.

Level winners receive the awards announced for the event, including trophies, certificates and monetary prizes, and the overall Global Winner receives an additional award. Check the current prize announcement for amounts and arrangements. Under the Rules and Regulations, prize money is processed within 20 days of the Global Finals.

Country Partners coordinate local delivery, school communication, registration arrangements and results distribution. They provide the local contact route for schools and participants and work with ITA on contest administration, nominations and event participation.

Provide the current Rules and Regulations, eligibility guidance, approved dates, entry fees and payment terms, portal instructions, test delivery arrangements and nomination deadlines.

Country Partners should arrange the school access required by the approved portal procedures for registration and results. Explain who submits entries, how details are checked and where results are released.

Country Partners must apply the ITA rules consistently. Local communications cannot promise exceptions to level, age or integrity requirements.

The country’s approved allocation depends on participation and its applicable arrangements with ITA. Confirm the allocation and eligible finalists before issuing invitations. School reward status and National Finals nominations do not independently create a right to a Global Event place.

Collect the relevant candidate, school, level and incident details, follow the current reporting procedure and refer the matter to ITA through the designated route.

Use the KGL Country Partners page to check the available local route. If your country is not listed, contact ITA through the official KGL website to ask about participation or direct administration.

Personal information is used to run the contest and shared with Country Partners for that purpose. The Rules and Regulations also cover publication of winners’ names and Global Event photographs. Parents and guardians should read these terms before registration.

If ITA-KGL cancels the contest, fees are refunded through the Country Partner under the Rules and Regulations. For candidate withdrawals, check the applicable local terms before registering. Fees are non-refundable for candidate withdrawals after the registration deadline. This does not affect refunds if ITA-KGL cancels the contest.

The KGL website provides eligibility guidance, the information pack, contest information and access to results. Your school or Country Partner can help with registrations, practice test access and local arrangements.