The things parents actually ask.

Every question we get, answered.

01What ages do you teach?+

Children aged 6 to 17. The Younger Programme covers ages 6–9; the Older Programme starts at age 10 and runs through GCSE-equivalent qualifications, with optional GCSE Computer Science from age 10.

02Is this a real qualification?+

Yes. BCS Level 1 and Level 2, equivalent to a GCSE in either robotics or coding. These are the official UK Chartered Institute for IT certifications, recognised by schools, colleges and employers. Two of our Robocoders completed GCSE Computer Science at 11 and 12; the Mayor of Solihull came to celebrate.

03How long is the Course? Am I locking into a long contract?+

No long contract. Older Programme Courses run roughly three months each, in weekly two-hour Studio Labs. The Younger Programme is project-based, a new month, a new Project. Subscriptions can be paused or cancelled at any time.

04Can I cancel or pause my subscription?+

Yes, any time, no penalty. Think of it as a gym membership, pause or cancel any time, no fees, no minimum term. At our Shirley centre, weekly subscriptions also auto-pause throughout August, see the Shirley academic calendar for term dates. Leicester runs its own schedule; check with the centre directly.

05What if my child misses a session or we go on holiday?+

Please get in touch with your centre, every situation is different and we’ll work through it with you. Subscriptions can also be paused at any time. Shirley families: weekly subscriptions auto-pause throughout August, see the Shirley academic calendar. Leicester families: check directly with the centre, their schedule is published separately.

06Do you offer sibling discounts?+

Yes. We offer sibling discounts to families with more than one Robocoder. Please ask at your Free Tech Assessment or contact the centre directly for the current rate.

07Can my child change Course later?+

Yes. Start with one Course. If they want to switch later, we’ll find availability. The BCS pathway is structured so the underlying skills carry across, no Robocoder gets stuck on the wrong track.

08Is the Mentor consistent week-to-week?+

Yes. Robocoders see the same Mentor every week. This matters for every child but especially for SEND families and any Robocoder who needs predictability to feel settled. If your child needs continuity, please flag it at the assessment and we’ll match accordingly.

09Do you offer online Courses?+

No. Every Robocode Course is delivered in person at our centres in Shirley (Solihull) and Leicester. Real equipment, real Mentors, real classmates. We don’t believe hands-on engineering can be taught through a screen.

10Are Mentors qualified?+

Yes. Our Mentors are engineers and educators with industry experience, all DBS-checked and trained to work with children and young people.

11How large are the class sizes?+

Maximum eight Robocoders per Studio Lab, with the same Mentor every week.

12What equipment do I need to provide?+

None. Laptops, Arduino kits, sensors, 3D printers, software licences and consumables are all provided at the centre.

13Do you offer discounts or financial aid?+

Robocode is an Ofsted-registered childcare provider, so courses qualify for Tax-Free Childcare, Childcare Vouchers, and the childcare elements of Universal Credit. Contact the centre for details.

14What is your refunds and cancellation policy?+

Refunds aren’t issued for missed weekly Studio Labs, and Holiday Tech Camp bookings are non-refundable. If your Robocoder can’t attend a camp, the payment becomes a credit toward another Robocode programme within the same academic year. Exam fees (GCSE/BCS) are also non-refundable once paid. See our Payment Terms for the full policy.

15How can I get in touch?+

Call us on 0121 661 9222, WhatsApp +44 791 838 8757, or email info@robocode.uk. We aim to reply within 24 hours.