Overview

The HIPPO English Contest is a global competition open to students aged 6 to 19. It measures all key areas of English proficiency — Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking — and is fully aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Examinations are Ofqual-regulated, meaning results carry international recognition.

Competition Rounds

1. Preliminary Round

Held at venue centres across North Macedonia. Participants sit a Reading and Use of English test (50–54 multiple-choice questions). The top 20% (or more if tied) advance to the State Final.

2. State Final (National Final)

Tests include Reading, Writing (30 questions), and a free-writing task of 100–200 words (except Baby and Little Hippo categories). Difficulty is one level above the Preliminary Round.

3. Continental / Playoff Qualifiers

North Macedonia competes in the Venice, Italy qualifier (European and African region). Students who do not qualify directly may compete in Continental or Playoff Qualifier rounds.

4. World Finals

Held each October in Italy. Finalists and one accompanying teacher receive a 4-day, 3-night stay with half-board meals. Every participant receives a certificate; top performers receive medals and special recognition.

Hippo Categories

Baby Hippo – 1st and 2nd grade elementary school

Little HIPPO – 3rd and 4th  grade elementary school

HIPPO 1 – 5th and 6th grade elementary school

HIPPO 2 – 7th grade elementary school

HIPPO 3 – 8th and 9th grade elementary school

HIPPO 4 – 10th and 11th grade high school

HIPPO 5 –12th and 13th grade high school

Please consult regulations - available at https://hippo-thecontest.org/

What You Can Win

• Internationally recognised Ofqual-regulated certificates for all participants.

• Medals and trophies for top scorers at each stage.

• A fully-hosted trip to the World Finals in Italy for finalists.

Registration

Schools that wish to enrol a group of candidates are required to host the preliminary round of the Contest, even in the countries that accept individual enrolments. Schools that wish to participate in the Contest need to apply through the country coordinator. They need to complete (sign and stamp), the Venue Approval  form and send it to hippomacedonia@gmail.com, after which they will get access to the online registration platform, after which the school coordinator can register students. Approval is freee of charge, all participants pay participation fee. Participation fee is 600 MKD per participant* - sample payment slip. If your school is not a registered HIPPO venue please use individual application form for individual candidates/students.

Individual students need to send payment proof and filled application at hippomacedonia@gmail.com

*Participation fee includes: exam materials, printed certificates for the preliminary round and national finals, and postage costs to and from the registered venues.