BBC micro:bit - the next gen | Frequently asked questions about the BBC micro:bit

Take a look below to find out the answers to the most commonly asked questions about the BBC micro:bit.

Primary school teacher talks to class about the micro:bit — Image caption,
A primary school teacher answers questions about the micro:bit

General FAQs

Can I still register for free micro:bits?

Registration for free micro:bits closed on Monday 18 December 2023. Micro:bits are available to borrow from some libraries - check with your local library for further information - and you can also purchase micro:bits for your school. If you don’t have physical micro:bits, you can still enjoy coding using the micro:bit simulator tool in MakeCode.

When will I get my micro:bits?

Your micro:bits will be delivered to the school address selected at registration by the end of February 2024. They are dispatched on a first come first served basis.

If you have received confirmation but don’t have your micro:bits by March 2024 please check with your school reception to see if the package has been received. If you still have not received them, please contact us by emailing thenextgen.help@microbit.org

While you're waiting on your physical micro:bits, you can still enjoy coding using the micro:bit simulator tool in MakeCode.

I’ve never used a micro:bit before, will there be any training?

Yes, both online and face-to-face training opportunities are available. You can find further information on our micro:bit training resources page.

I've registered for my micro:bits, how many will I get?

The donation includes 30 micro:bits, USB cables, wearable straps and flexible micro:bit holders. Flexible micro:bit holders and wearable straps will come in handy when taking part in the BBC micro:bit playground survey activities, launching in 2024.

Will there be teaching resources to support me? Are they free?

Yes, teaching resources are available at bbc.co.uk/microbit including some of the activities featured in CBBC programmes. There are also lots of resources to suit all age groups, including getting started projects, available on the Micro:bit Educational Foundation website - microbit.org. These resources are free to use for everyone based in the UK.

We will also be launching a UK-wide playground survey in 2024 featuring seven exciting cross-curricular activities that use the micro:bit. Resources will be available to teachers in February 2024 to enable them to plan it into their summer-term timetable. Please check back on our website for further details.

We still have some of the original micro:bits - can we use these with the latest resources?

Yes, many of the BBC micro:bit - the next gen projects can be done on V1 micro:bits. But the donation is a classroom set of V2s.

My children are home-schooled. Are micro:bits available for parents and guardians to purchase directly?

Yes, micro:bits are available to purchase. Micro:bits are also available to borrow from some libraries – check with your local library for further information.

I can’t get my micro:bit to work, what can I do?

If you are having any issues with your micro:bit you can contact the micro:bit support helpdesk

Do you have lesson plans?

You can find detailed lesson plans at microbit.org/teach. Lessons can also be designed using the free resources that will be available at bbc.co.uk/microbit. Please check back for these later in the year.

Will you have any face to face training?

Our partners across the UK are offering a range of training opportunities. You can find further information on our micro:bit training resources page.

Is this a new micro:bit? / How many versions of the micro:bit are there?

No this isn’t a new micro:bit. The Micro:bit Educational Foundation currently produces one version of the micro:bit (V2). The micro:bit (V1) is still used in many schools and is compatible with most resources and training on microbit.org.

Do you need a computer to use the micro:bit?

Yes. You write your code for the micro:bit using the Microsoft MakeCode programming tool in a browser on your laptop or tablet. Then you download the code and transfer the file onto your micro:bit. Once your code is on your micro:bit you can unplug it from the computer, plug in the battery pack and use wherever you like.

What age is BBC micro:bit - the next gen for?

Our resources have been created with 8 to 11 year-olds in mind, with some of the activities more suited to older children within the age bracket.

Can I order extra micro:bits for my school?

Yes, micro:bits are available to purchase for schools that require extra.

Why are the BBC doing this campaign?

The BBC micro:bit was originally created in 2015 to help get kids coding and in 2016 the Micro:bit Educational Foundation was set up to continue to support the project and to allow micro:bit to expand internationally. The new BBC micro:bit – the next gen campaign aims to focus on the micro:bit in the UK to empower primary school children with the digital skills to understand the world around them and to shape their own digital future.

My school doesn’t appear on the dropdown list on the registration form. How can I register for my free micro:bits?

If you are a UK Primary school and you are unable to register, please first check that no one else from your school has already registered. Only one member of staff per school can register. If no one else has registered, then please contact thenextgen.help@microbit.org. See T&Cs for further details.

How is the BBC funding this campaign?

Funding for the schools giveaway has been provided to the Microbit Educational Foundation by Nominet. The broader campaign is a partnership. Its planning, delivery and amplification are the product of inputs, support and expertise from over a dozen organisations. For further information on our delivery partners visit our partners page.

Playground survey FAQs

Where can I find information on the playground survey?

All information about the BBC micro:bit playground survey can be found here.Head to the BBC Teach webpage and you will find links to the Teacher’s guide (containing everything you need to know about the playground survey, and available resources), plus a BBC Teach guide for each individual activity.

I have lost my class code and/or teacher password for the playground survey data upload tool - what can I do?

If you do not have a class code or have forgotten/lost your details then sign up for a new class code and teacher password. You can create more than one for the same school if needed. Go to https://data.microbit.org/thenextgen and choose ‘Sign up for a class code’.

I am having trouble with the data upload tool - what can I do?

If you are having issues uploading your survey data to the data upload tool please contact the microbit support desk - help@microbit.org

I’ve lost/broken the straps/holders, what can I do?

You could use the cardboard battery holders that came in the next gen box or print a template off here.

When will the results of the playground survey be released?

We will be releasing the results of the BBC micro:bit playground survey in the Autumn term 2024.

Does it have to be in my school playground?

The playground survey activities can be conducted in any playground or outdoor space, but the data uploaded via the data upload tool should only be data collected in a school playground.