Competition Rules

This competition is open to all FOBISIA Member Schools, and will be divided into two categories:

• Lower Secondary (KS3, Ages 11-14)

• Upper Secondary (KS4&5, Ages 14-18)

All competing bands will first submit an audition video. Audition videos must be one complete, live, unproduced and unedited recording, without multitracking, and should be filmed on one camera in a static position. The judges are not making decisions on polished performances at this stage, so performances can be a rehearsal or ‘working towards’ video.

The guest judges will select the finalists, which must include one band from the host school. The Host school will determine the number of finalist places in each category. A school can enter two bands per category for the audition process. If a school is successful in making it through to the Live Final, only one band per school is allowed in each category. Therefore this means any given school can only have a maximum of two bands competing in the Live Final, i.e. one band per category. 

All competing bands in the Live Final will be given time for a sound check the day before the competition, as per the schedule organised by the host school.

Please read the competition regulations below carefully.

1. The Lower Secondary category is open to all students from FOBISIA Member Schools in Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9, ages 11 to 14).

2. The Upper Secondary category is open to all students from FOBISIA Member Schools in Key Stages 4 and 5 (Years 10 to 13, ages 14 to 18).

3. Competing bands will be categorised by the age of the oldest student in the band in the 2025/26 academic year.

4. For the audition process, one video must be submitted per band.

5. Audition videos must be one complete, live, unproduced and unedited recording, without multitracking, and should be filmed on one camera in a static position.

6. Schools may enter two competing bands in each category; however, only one band per school is allowed through to the Live Final in each category.

7. The guest judges will select the finalists, which must include one band from the host school. Host schools will determine the number of finalist places in each category.

8. The competition is open to bands of between three and ten members.

9. Under normal circumstances, all band members must be currently enrolled students at the same FOBISIA member school at the time of the Live Final. Exceptions can be made in special circusmtances but these must be approved by the Host school.

10. Regardless, each band must represent one FOBISIA member school only.

11. Performances must not include lyrics, moves, gestures and clothing unsuited to a school

environment. Any performances deemed inappropriate by either the host school or the judging panel may result in disqualification.

12. Performances for both the Audition and Live Final must be one continuous song/medley between three and six minutes in length.

    • Bands will not be penalised if delays are caused by problems with equipment provided by the host school at the Live Final.

    • Bands can perform cover songs or original compositions; however, no additional marks will be given for own compositions.

    • The song performed in the Live Final does not need to be the same song performed in the audition video.