Congratulations to Upper Sixth Former Tristan, who has been selected as a finalist in the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Data Challenge 2025 for Geography. This prestigious competition encourages candidates to use real-world data to tackle issues at local and national levels.
To achieve this, Tristan used ONS analytical tools to produce a detailed report on inequality and opportunity in Queens Park, Bedford, including policy recommendations for future development. His work demonstrated rigorous data analysis and thoughtful policy-making, earning him a place among the top finalists. Tristan will attend the Virtual Finalists Event on Tuesday 13 January 2026.
Reflecting on the experience, Tristan shared, “I first heard about the ONS Challenge through a Geography Society assembly notice. At first, I imagined it would resemble competitions like the UKMT Maths or Physics Olympiad, but it was a task requiring rigorous data analysis and policy-making. The most striking discovery was the sheer disparity between areas only metres apart with variables such as unemployment, education and home ownership often varied by 10 to 15 percent across the same street.”
He added, “Collating and presenting census data in a clear and visually engaging way was an extraordinary challenge, requiring significant time and effort. Queens Park was chosen because it is a local area with well-documented challenges of deprivation and educational inequality. My previous CAS charity work in the area gave me first-hand insight into issues such as poverty and housing pressures, which became the crux of my decision.”
Tristan, who has applied to read Human Geography at university, says the experience has strengthened his appreciation for data science and policy-making, even if they may not be his primary career path. He said, “I recognise the immense value of these skills and expect to use them in other fields.”
We are incredibly proud of Tristan’s achievement and wish him the very best for the final stage of the competition.
