Robocode Learning & Exam Centre
BEST FOR
Ages 6-17
WHERE
Solihull
What it’s like
Weekly in-person coding and robotics sessions for 6 to 17 year olds, working towards real BCS qualifications equivalent to a GCSE.
This is a robotics and coding centre rather than a one-off workshop, and it's built around a proper weekly rhythm. Younger Robocoders, ages 6 to 9, work through a project-based programme, a new build each month. From age 10 the Older Programme kicks in, with two-hour Studio Labs run over roughly three-month courses covering game development, self-balancing robots and other hands-on engineering work, plus the option of full GCSE Computer Science.
The qualifications side is the bit that sets this apart from a normal after-school club. Courses lead to BCS Level 1 and Level 2 certificates, which are official Chartered Institute for IT awards equivalent to a GCSE in robotics or coding, recognised by schools and employers. Groups are capped at eight per Studio Lab and your child keeps the same Mentor every week, which the centre reckons matters most for SEND families or any child who needs a predictable face rather than a rotating cast.
There's no online option here at all, it's in-person only at the Shirley centre, on the logic that hands-on engineering doesn't really work through a screen. Equipment is all provided, so no laptop or Arduino kit to sort out beforehand. The commitment is more like a gym membership than a school term: no long contract, and you can pause or cancel the subscription any time, though it's worth knowing that missed weekly sessions themselves aren't refunded, and exam fees and Holiday Tech Camp bookings are non-refundable once paid.
If your child later fancies switching from, say, robotics to game development, the centre says the underlying BCS skills carry across so they won't be stuck starting from scratch on a new track.
Need to know
- Best for
- 6 to 17, with GCSE-level coding kicking in from age 10
- Sibling discounts are available, ask at the Free Tech Assessment
- Holiday Tech Camp bookings can't be refunded once made
- Shirley subscriptions auto-pause in August
- All equipment, laptops, Arduino kits, 3D printers, is provided, nothing to buy beforehand
Plan your visit
What ages does this suit?
6 to 17. The Younger Programme runs 6 to 9, and the Older Programme starts at 10 and can lead into GCSE Computer Science.
Do we need to sign up for a long course?
No long contract. It runs more like a gym membership, pause or cancel the subscription whenever you need to, though missed sessions and paid exam fees aren't refunded.
Is this a proper qualification or just a fun club?
It leads to BCS Level 1 and Level 2 certificates, official Chartered Institute for IT awards equivalent to a GCSE in robotics or coding, and schools and employers recognise them.
Can my child do the course online?
Everything runs in person at the Shirley centre. There's no online version, the equipment and Mentors are all on site.
Will my child have the same teacher each week?
The same Mentor every week, with groups capped at eight per Studio Lab.
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