Schools, colleges, partners and associate organisations from across Wales came together recently as DVLA officially launched Code Challenge 2027, marking the beginning of another exciting year of creativity, coding and digital innovation. The launch event celebrated the achievements of Code Challenge 2026 while setting out an ambitious, year-long programme designed to inspire the next generation of digital talent across Wales.
If you were unable to join us live, you can now watch the launch recording and discover everything you need to know to get involved in this year's challenge.
Watch the launch recording here:
A year of creativity, coding and innovation
The online launch brought together educators, industry partners and associate organisations to explore this year's challenge themes, hear from associates and learn more about the opportunities available through the competition.
The session also provided an opportunity to reflect on the success of the Code Challenge 2026, which saw more than 20 schools take part and submit 54 original games, highlighting the creativity, teamwork and problem-solving skills of young people from across Wales.
Since its creation, the DVLA Code Challenge has enabled thousands of young people to build confidence, develop coding skills, solve real-world problems and explore future digital careers. Today, it remains one of Wales' largest coding initiatives, connecting education, industry and public sector organisations through a shared ambition to inspire future talent.
Bigger, broader and more inclusive
Building on previous success, Code Challenge 2027 is set to be our biggest competition yet.
The challenge is open to learners across three participation routes, creating opportunities for young people at different stages of their educational journey. Primary schools, secondary schools and post-16 learners can all take part, ensuring the programme continues to support and inspire future digital talent across Wales. The competition remains completely free to enter and places creativity, teamwork, innovation and digital skills development at its heart.
Participants will spend the academic year designing and developing games inspired by real-world themes supplied by our associate organisations. These themes explore topics including:
- Cyber security
- Sustainability
- Biodiversity
- Future careers
- Emerging technologies
- Inclusion
- Public safety
Each theme is designed to encourage learners to think differently, solve challenges creatively and use technology to make a positive impact.
Working together to inspire future talent
One of the defining features of the DVLA Code Challenge is the support provided by our partners and associates.
During the launch event, organisations including Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, South Wales Police, Careers Wales, Swansea Council, Cardiff Council, the British Army, STEM Learning, Wild Connect, Free School Clothes and the British Computer Society shared their challenge themes and outlined how digital skills are helping address real-world challenges within their sectors.
These partnerships help bring learning to life by connecting classroom activities with real careers, real organisations and real opportunities. They also demonstrate how coding, creativity and technology can help solve challenges facing communities, businesses and public services across Wales.
More than a coding competition
While creating a game remains at the heart of the challenge, teams are also encouraged to develop a short promotional video that showcases their idea, explains their development journey and demonstrates the impact of their solution.
Together, the game and video provide judges with valuable insight into the creativity, teamwork, innovation and problem-solving that sit behind every submission.
Throughout the year, the DVLA Code Challenge team will continue to support participating schools, colleges and community groups through guidance, resources, outreach activity and engagement opportunities to help learners succeed.
Key dates
Teams can start their journey today by exploring the themes, forming their teams and beginning to develop their ideas.
Key milestones include:
- 30 April 2027 – Submission deadline
- 7 May 2027 – Judging begins
- 6 July 2027 – DVLA Code Challenge 2027 Final Celebration Event
The challenge starts now
Whether you're creating your first Scratch game or developing a more advanced digital solution, the DVLA Code Challenge provides an opportunity to learn new skills, build confidence, unleash creativity and showcase what can be achieved through technology.
Find information on themes, entry requirements and supporting resources through the DVLA STEM Programme website. If you know a school, college or organisation that could take part, please share the opportunity and encourage them to register their interest.
Together, we can inspire the next generation of coders, innovators and digital leaders across Wales.