For teachers
HIPPO English Without Borders 2027
Key information for teachers on one page. For everything else, see the full competition page.
Register by 19 March 2027
At a glance
| Date | 2–4 April 2027 |
|---|---|
| Register by | 19 March 2027 |
| Who can join | Ages 6–19 |
| Mode | Online at home, at a test venue, or at school |
| Grand Final | Italy (October 2027) |
| Fee | Fees and exact dates for the National Final, Continental Round and World Final will be posted here once confirmed. |
What you need to do
- Message usWhatsApp 012-383 3218 with your school name and the competitions you want.
- Fill the bulk formWe send the bulk registration form for your students.
- Choose the modePaper or online at school, or students sit online at home.
- Receive resultsCertificates, medals and reports are sent to your school.
At your school
- Schools can run the Preliminary Round on paper or online and handle invigilation.
- Physical certificates and medals are sent to registered Hippo schools.
Key dates
- 2–4 Apr 2027Preliminary Round
- 8 May 2027 (tentative)National Final
- Early July 2027Continental Round, Bali
- October 2027World Final, Italy
What students get
- Every round. Digital certificate for all candidates; a medal for those advancing to the National Final, Qualifiers or World Final.
- World Final. Candidates scoring at least 55% receive an internationally recognised Gatehouse Awards certificate in English.
Levels and categories
| School year (January) | Regular category | Special category |
|---|---|---|
| Primary 1–2 / Year 1–2 | Baby Hippo | Baby Hippo |
| Primary 3–4 / Year 3–4 | Little Hippo | Little Hippo |
| Primary 5–6 / Year 5–6 | Hippo 1 | Hippo S1 |
| Secondary 1 / Year 7 | Hippo 2 | Hippo S2 |
| Secondary 2–3 / Year 8–9 | Hippo 3 | Hippo S3 |
| Secondary 4–5 / Year 10–11 | Hippo 4 | Hippo S4 |
| Form 6 & college / Year 12–13 | Hippo 5 | Hippo S5 |