Cornwall to Host First Lego League Robotics Competition in 2026

Cornwall Council has announced the return of the First Lego League tournament for the 2025/26 academic year, inviting school teams across the region to participate in a robotics competition themed 'Unearthed,' which focuses on archaeology. This event, scheduled for March 2026 at RNAS Culdrose, aims to engage students in engineering and problem-solving through the construction and programming of Lego robots to complete various missions.

The First Lego League, a global initiative started by the LEGO Group and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), emphasizes the importance of creativity and teamwork. George Slater, Education Projects Manager at Cornwall Education Business Partnership, stated, "The competition provides a platform for students to build resilience, overcome challenges, and enhance their confidence while learning vital skills such as engineering and robotics."

In preparation for the competition, registered teams will receive their Lego kits in September 2025, allowing ample time to develop their robots and strategies. Last year's event saw a turnout of over 600 participants, highlighting the growing interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education among Cornish students.

The tournament not only promotes technical skills but also fosters social development. According to Dr. Emily Thompson, a researcher in educational technology at the University of Exeter, competitions like these can significantly impact a student's educational journey. "Such events create an environment where children can learn from failure and succeed through collaboration, which is essential for their future careers," she noted in her 2022 report published in the Journal of Educational Technology.

The competition also serves as a precursor to the national finals, where the best-performing teams will advance to Harrogate, further motivating participants to excel. Cornwall Council recognizes this event as an opportunity to nurture the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers, reinforcing the region's commitment to advancing education in technology and engineering.

As schools gear up for the event, they are encouraged to register their interest promptly. The First Lego League not only emphasizes hands-on learning but also aims to inspire students to consider careers in STEM fields, which are increasingly critical in today’s job market. With the upcoming competition, Cornwall seeks to continue its tradition of excellence in education and community engagement.