Ready to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators? The new FIRST® LEGO® League 2026/27 season is here, giving young people the chance to explore STEM through hands-on challenges, robotics, coding, research and teamwork.
This year, W5 is hosting three FIRST® LEGO® League programmes in Belfast, giving schools and teams the opportunity to get involved across different age groups. Whether your pupils are new to the challenge or are returning for another season, there’s a programme to suit them!
What is FIRST® LEGO® League?
FIRST® LEGO® League is a global STEM programme that challenges young people to think creatively, solve problems and work together to tackle real-world challenges.
Teams use LEGO® Education technology to design, build and programme solutions, while developing skills in areas such as coding, engineering, research, communication and teamwork.
At W5, schools and teams from across Northern Ireland come together for regional tournaments, giving participants the chance to put their ideas to the test, meet other young innovators and celebrate their achievements.
Meet this year's theme: BIOGLOW
For the 2026/27 season, all FIRST® LEGO® League programmes will explore the theme BIOGLOW, putting the spotlight on biodiversity and ecosystems.
It’s a chance for teams to investigate the natural world, explore the connections between living things and their environments, and use their creativity and problem-solving skills to develop ideas around biodiversity and ecosystems.
Whether pupils are building and programming a robot or exploring the theme through an age-appropriate hands-on challenge, BIOGLOW offers plenty of opportunities to ask questions, investigate and think like scientists and engineers.
Which FIRST® LEGO® League programme is right for your pupils?
This season, W5 is offering three programmes:
FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge - Founders Edition
- Age range: Pupils aged 9-16 years
- Team size: Up to 10 pupils
- Registration costs: £285 + VAT
- Equipment required to participate: LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime core and expansion set
- Date of tournament: 25 February 2027
W5 has a limited number of funded places available to support selected teams in covering registration fees and equipment costs.
APPLY FOR A FUNDED PLACE - CHALLENGE FOUNDERS EDITION
FIRST® LEGO® League Explore - Founders Edition
- Age range: Pupils aged 6-9 years
- Team size: One class (up to 32 pupils)
- Registration costs: £195 + VAT (class pack)
- Equipment required to participate: LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Essential set (per team of 4)
- Programme begins: January 2027
- Date of tournament: 20 May 2027
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST - EXPLORE FOUNDERS EDITION
FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge - Future Edition
- Age range: Pupils aged 8-16 years
- Team size: Two teams of four
- Registration costs: £375 + VAT
- Equipment required to participate: LEGO® Education Computer Science and AI kit (per team of 4)
- Date of tournament: 25 March 2027
W5 has limited funding available to support teams taking part in Future Edition.
APPLY FOR A FUNDED PLACE - CHALLENGE FUTURE EDITION
Register directly with the IET
As a regional host, W5 offers open entry for schools and teams who want to take part in the FIRST® LEGO® League competitions.
If your school already has the required equipment and can cover the registration fee, you can register directly and select W5, Belfast as your regional tournament.
Ready to get your team involved?
Whether you’re an experienced FIRST® LEGO® League coach or you’re thinking about starting your first team, the 2026/27 season is a great opportunity to get pupils building, coding, researching and creating together.
Choose the programme that suits your pupils and take the first step towards BIOGLOW at W5.
For full information about FIRST® LEGO® League programmes, registration and the 2026/27 season, CLICK HERE.
For enquiries about taking part at W5, get in touch with Elaine or Seán from the Learning and Engagement team at: [email protected] or [email protected]
You can also contact the IET at: [email protected]