What is FIRST® LEGO® League?
FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge (FLL) is an international STEM competition for pupils aged 9-16. Through hands-on robotics, coding and research, students explore real-world issues while developing creativity, teamwork and problem-solving skills to benefit them in their future education and careers.
In Northern Ireland, the challenge is open to Key Stage 2 and 3 pupils. The season launches in September, with W5 hosting the regional tournament in mid- to late-February. Winning teams progress to the UK or Ireland finals and may even earn the chance to represent their school on the European or World stage.
This worldwide competition sees participants use simple computer coding to program a LEGO® Education robot to complete a number of timed tasks. Teams earn points for the number of tasks they complete within the given time. Alongside robotics, pupils also research a science-based topic and deliver a five-minute presentation to a panel of judges, sharing what they have discovered.
What is this year's theme?
The theme for the FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge 2025/26 is Unearthed! Pack your magnifying glass, rope and pickaxe - it’s time to embark on an unforgettable adventure.
This season, each team will follow the traces of the past, uncovering hidden treasures, mysterious artefacts and forgotten stories. But discovery is only the beginning. What secrets lie behind the ancient symbols carved in stone? What tools and techniques help archaeologists in their work? And how can your own ideas help shape the future?
How does FIRST® LEGO® League work?
Once registered for FLL Challenge, teams of up to 10 students work together with their coach (usually a teacher) and, if possible, a mentor from the industry. Over the course of two to three months, the team researches a theme-related topic, prepares a five-minute presentation and designs and programs a LEGO® Spike Prime robot to complete a series of themed tasks.
At school or elsewhere, the teams build their robot and LEGO® models and practice the tasks in advance of the tournament. Most teams meet once or twice a week to plan, test and refine their ideas.
What happens on tournament day?
On the day of the tournament at W5, teams take part in a 30-minute session with judges during which they present their research project (called Innovation Project in FLL) and are also assessed on Robot Design and Core Values, which include teamwork and inclusion.
Throughout the day, each team competes in three rounds of the Robot Game, attempting as many LEGO® tasks as possible in just two and a half minutes. Points are awarded for completing each task. There is no right or wrong way to complete the tasks, meaning that they are suitable for all ability levels.
Tournament day is an inspiring and high-energy experience where schools from across Northern Ireland come together to celebrate STEM, share ideas, and enjoy the thrill of friendly competition, sharing the experience of FIRST® LEGO® League.
Important Information
- Competition Day at W5: 25 February 2025
- Pupils of ages 9-16 welcome
- Teams of up to 10 pupils.
- Registration per team costs £285 + VAT.
- Equipment: A LEGO® SPIKE™ Prime Core and Expansion Set. A computer, laptop or tablet on which you can run the software – this is free to download from the LEGO® Education website.
- Over the course of the day, your team will compete with their robot in three Robot Games and be interviewed by a panel of judges on their approach to the design of their robot. They will also need to give a five-minute presentation on their Innovation Project to the judging panel, who will then ask them questions about their work.
- Deadline for registration: 30th January 2026. Please note that places are limited and fill up fast.
- To register your place, please click here.