Code Ninjas continues expansion with first location in North West

With children across the nation now enjoying their first full in-person term at school in nearly two years, the demand for the kids' coding franchise has never been higher

As Code Ninjas continues its expansion and dominance of the extracurricular educational market, a new cohort of locations is preparing to offer kids opportunities in STEM, problem-solving, social development and much more.

Since being introduced to the UK, Code Ninjas has opened 47 locations in just two and a half years. This growing demand for kids coding education services has certainly been timely, as calls for a more enriching, diverse education in STEM and technology in the curriculum have become louder since the pandemic. Screen time and the use of computers have become somewhat of an inevitability as a result of 18 months of online learning, and Code Ninjas teaches kids how to be creators, not just users in these times.

As the network continues to expand, the coding curriculum is becoming increasingly available to kids across the nation. One such area is Hyde, Greater Manchester – the first location to open in the North West. Gary Horton, the co-owner of the new location, explained: “Children and parents want a broad choice of quality enrichment activities for their children and whilst sport and arts are well catered for, there’s long been a gap in terms of structured, sociable, fun STEM options. Code Ninjas is a unique opportunity for children to supplement their mainstream education through play, while also developing some vital life skills such as problem solving, critical thinking and teamwork.

“The need for kids to develop their abilities in STEM subjects is growing as technology becomes so embedded in countless career pathways. Learning to code the Code Ninjas’ way is not only fun but will help children massively in their future career prospects as colleges and jobs continue to cry out for those with comprehensive skills in computing, technology, and coding. We hope to provide these opportunities which will introduce more and more children to the true potential and creative demands of technology.”

Like Gary Horton and his wife and business partner, Suzanne, who are well underway with their preparations to open Code Ninjas Hyde in early 2022, an increasing number of business owners and entrepreneurs are seizing the opportunity to become a part of the technology-focused educational revolution. Along with Hyde, a new cohort of students eagerly await Code Ninjas classes and camps opening up in Borehamwood, Bridgend, Epsom and Newton Mearns – the second location to open in Scotland and the first in the Glasgow area.

Grant Smith, VP of education at Code Ninjas, believes this generation of Code Ninjas students is a sample of the many children becoming more seriously invested in the technology they consume. “It’s no surprise that the demand for our services is at an all-time high,” he said. “Kids have been forced into consuming more technology than any other generation in history because of the pandemic. Considering how brilliant children between the ages of five and 14 are at learning and soaking up information, it’s no surprise that their interests and passions have been piqued by the endless possibilities of the easily accessible technology that they use on a daily basis.

“Code Ninjas gives kids the chance to build on the skills they have been developing their whole lives, in a fun, sociable and cooperative environment. By detaching the Code Ninjas experience from the mainstream ‘school’ experience, they don’t enter the dojo with woes and worries, but an open mind and an eagerness to learn. That is what defines the success of Code Ninjas and is exactly why so many entrepreneurs have bought into our unique and successful mission.”