FIRST® LEGO® League enters a new era of learning and innovation

FIRST® LEGO® League Future Edition

• What’s new about FIRST® LEGO® League? 
• What does this next chapter mean for the FIRST® LEGO® League community?
• What equipment do I need for the FIRST® LEGO® League Future Edition?
• Is there a price change for the FIRST® LEGO® League kit?
• Will there be funding support for teams who need help purchasing kit?
• Will teams need new tables?
• Can the Computer Science & AI set be programmed in Python?
• Do you offer invoicing when paying for kit?

What’s new about FIRST® LEGO® League? 

FIRST® LEGO® League will retain the fun and thrill our community cherishes, with new features that make it more accessible and in alignment with next-gen learning.

Wireless hardware with built-in, paired functions  
For the first time ever, FIRST® LEGO® League will utilise wireless hardware elements including sensors, motors, and a wireless controller – allowing us greater flexibility, accessibility, and variability.

Game models with embedded hardware
We have utilised this system of hardware, splitting its use between team robotic solutions and motorised game models – making them interactive and adding a new layer of strategy to the matches.   

Semi-cooperative matches on a shared game field
Another new experience in FIRST® LEGO® League is the introduction of semi-cooperative gameplay, where teams compete side-by-side on a shared field that rewards coordination and collaboration during the 2.5-minute game.

Unique player roles with guided missions
All of these evolutions are supported by four unique team roles: Driver, Operator, Technician and Specialist.

No longer will students simply launch their robots during games; they will play the game with the robotic and mechanical tools they built and developed:

• Driver role: The Driver uses a controller to navigate a driving base around the field, collecting and delivering game elements.  
• Operator role: The Operator designs and uses a mechanical tool to handle and trigger game elements in their area. 
• Technician role: The Technician designs and uses a coded robotic tool to handle and trigger game elements in their area and around the field.  
• Specialist role: The Specialist controls the team's device and one or more robotic game elements on the field.   

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What does this next chapter mean for the FIRST® LEGO® League community?

2026-2028  
FIRST® LEGO® League will enter a new, temporary chapter beginning August 2026, with two editions running in parallel through July 2028:

• Founders Edition (SPIKE™-based): The FIRST® LEGO® League program as it exists today, continuing with LEGO Education SPIKE™ technology. The last season for Founders Edition is 2027/2028. 
• Future Edition (Based on LEGO Education Computer Science & AI hardware): A new experience powered by LEGO Education Computer Science & AI, designed to expand access and engagement for students and educators. The first season for Future Edition is the 2026/2027 season. This two-edition model will give teams and educators flexibility to transition at their own pace as the new experience becomes available.  

In 2026/2027, Future Edition will be offered in the UK as class packs for in-school participation.  Teams may have the chance to compete in a tournament. Our Delivery Partners are exploring this, and any tournament locations will be confirmed in September.

In 2027/2028 Future Edition will expand to more regional tournaments, offering teams the chance to compete at the National Final.

With the overall program changes, it’s important to note that the new FIRST® LEGO® League experience is not compatible with LEGO Education SPIKE™ technology or other legacy products. 

After the 2027/2028 season 

After Founders Edition runs its last season in 2027/28, we’ll retire the FIRST® LEGO® League division names - currently Explore and Challenge - in favour of a simpler, more unified structure focused on age and skill. By the launch of the 2028/2029 season, the Founders Edition of the program will retire, and the “Edition” naming will be phased out.

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What equipment do I need for the FIRST® LEGO® League Future Edition?

For ages 5 to 7, each team will need one Computer Science & AI 5+ set.

For ages 8 to 16, each team will need two Computer Science & AI sets (either 8+ or 11+), one with the team and the other on the game table. Teams using 8+ sets will also need additional motors and connection cards (provided as a bundle).

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Is there a price change for the FIRST® LEGO® League kit?

Pricing for Founders Edition remains the same for 2026-27.  Future Edition pricing mirrors Founders Edition, with the benefit that a single 8 to16 kit contains enough equipment for an entire class.  

If a coach has multiple teams, some equipment can be shared, as long as each team has access to two sets during practice.

Ages 5 to 7 - from £49 

FIRST® LEGO® League Future Edition ages 5 to 7 registration (up to 4 students):

• Ability for a teacher or coach to deliver an in-house FIRST® LEGO® League Explore festival for up to 4 children (4 teams)  
  Team meeting guide and student engineering notebooks (digital downloads) 
• Access to videos and documentation in the FLL coaches’ interactive area 
• Optional Extras 
• 4 x FIRST® LEGO® League medals, lanyards and digital certificates £4

Each team will need two Computer Science & AI sets, one with the team and the other on the game table. Teams using 8+ sets will also need a motor and connection card bundle. 
 
Ages 8 to 16 - from £285

FIRST® LEGO® League Future Edition ages 8 to 16 registration (from 4 to 32 students):

• Ability for a teacher or coach to deliver an in-house FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge tournament for up to 32 children (between 1 to 4 teams) 
• Team meeting guide, robot game rulebooks, and student engineering notebooks (digital downloads) 
• Access to videos and documentation in the FLL interactive area 
• Optional Extras 
• 8 x FIRST® LEGO® League build it yourself medals and lanyards £10 
• 1x build your own FIRST® LEGO® League trophy £6 

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Will there be funding support for teams who need help purchasing kit?

We recognise that budgets are tight and that cost will be a barrier for many teams.

Our fundraising team is actively seeking financial support, with a particular focus on disadvantaged schools and helping existing teams transition to the Future Edition over the coming years.

To apply for support for both FIRST® LEGO® League Founders Edition (Challenge and Explore) and Future Edition (5-7 or 8-16 age range), please complete our online form.

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Will teams need new tables?

The new mats are sized to fit the existing table.

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Can Computer Science & AI sets be programmed in Python?

Yes, it can be programmed with Python. 

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Do you offer invoicing when paying for kit?

Yes, we offer invoicing for orders over £500.

Due to the high volume of requests, our team is unable to process invoices for smaller orders.

We appreciate your understanding and support! 

Please complete the appropriate invoicing request form below.

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