Today marks a significant milestone in the BBC micro:bit journey; the launch of the Micro:bit Educational Foundation. It’s a non-profit, independent organisation that will build on the work done so far with our pocket-sized codeable device and will focus efforts on continuing to encourage a generation to get creative with digital tech. There are now around one million BBC micro:bits in classrooms and code clubs across the UK – manufactured & distributed by the BBC & partners as part of the Make it Digital initiative. Our micro:bit website has four different code editors, along with hundreds of resources and supporting content for students and teachers.

The reaction from children and from a great many teachers has been overwhelming. Since launching in March this year, users have visited the website over 13m times, used the code simulator nearly 10m times and compiled code onto their devices around 2m times. The BBC micro:bit is also helping to change attitudes. Early research shows that it has helped get girls interested in coding - 39% of girls who used the micro:bit said they will definitely do ICT/Computer Science as a subject option in the future compared with just 23% before the micro:bit landed in schools. And we expect this figure to rise as more children get hands on with their devices.

Three quarters of those that have used the BBC micro:bit say they either like or love it. They value its hands on nature and love being able to see what they have coded come to life. A massive 86% said it made computer science more interesting whilst 88% of children said it showed them that coding isn’t as difficult as they had previously imagined. And it’s not just about coding. Our in-school research sessions have shown that the BBC micro:bit has helped to develop other skills such as teamwork, attention to detail and problem solving to name just a few. It’s been incredibly encouraging to get this insight – proof for both my team and for our partners that the hard work has been worthwhile.