Prime Highlights
- Lancaster University has received the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education for its key role in developing the BBC micro:bit.
- The micro:bit has empowered millions of children worldwide, helping them learn coding and build digital confidence.
Key Facts
- The micro:bit has reached 66 million children across 85 countries, becoming one of the most widely used digital learning tools globally.
- Lancaster University designed the device’s core operating system and continues to support research and development to enhance digital learning.
Background
Lancaster University has been awarded the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education in recognition of its pioneering contribution to global digital literacy through the creation and development of core technology for the BBC micro:bit. The honour, part of the UK’s national awards system, celebrates outstanding achievements in higher and further education.
The BBC micro:bit, a small, programmable device designed to spark creativity and interest in coding, has grown into a worldwide phenomenon. With support from partners such as the Micro:bit Educational Foundation, the device has reached 66 million young people across 85 countries, encouraging them to become creators of technology rather than just consumers.
Lancaster University played a central role in the original development of the micro:bit, serving as the sole academic partner in a BBC-led consortium a decade ago. The university’s contributions included designing the run-time operating system and shaping the coding experience that powers more than 11 million devices used in classrooms from the Amazon rainforest to major cities around the world.
Interim Vice-Chancellor Prof Rebecca Lingwood praised the team’s dedication, saying the micro:bit reflects the university’s mission to make knowledge accessible to all. She said the micro:bit has helped spark interest in young learners, build important digital skills and encourage more diversity in the field of computing.
Prof Joe Finney, who led the design of the micro:bit’s operating system, said he was proud to see how far the project has come. He explained that the device has grown from an early idea into a global learning tool that has improved classroom experiences for millions of students.
The Queen Elizabeth Prizes, awarded every two years since 1994, recognise exceptional innovation in the UK’s education sector. This year’s announcement celebrated 19 institutions for their work in fields ranging from advanced medical research to technological innovation.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer congratulated all the winners, saying the prizes highlight the UK’s strong commitment to education, innovation and global progress. Sir Damon Buffini, chair of the Royal Anniversary Trust, agreed, noting that the awards show how education can create meaningful change.
The official ceremony for the 2024-26 prizes will be held next year, marking 30 years of recognising institutions that make a positive impact through education.
