Can I start a Code Club? Here’s what you need to know

It’s a common question we hear from teachers, parents, and volunteers around the world: Can I start a Code Club? The answer is simple: yes, you can.

If you’re excited about helping young people turn their ideas into games, animations, and websites, you already have the spark that makes a great Code Club mentor. Starting a Code Club isn’t about being a professional programmer. It’s about creating a welcoming and inclusive space where young people can explore, experiment, and build their confidence.

Who can start a Code Club?

One of the best things about Code Club is that it’s community-powered. Clubs are started by classroom teachers, librarians, youth workers, university students, parents, and industry volunteers. Some leaders have technical backgrounds. Many don’t.

What they share isn’t expert knowledge — it’s enthusiasm and commitment.

“I started running a Code Club when my son was seven because I wanted to understand what this whole programming and coding world was about. I’m not a coder, but I realised I didn’t need to know everything.” – Rachael Coultart, Stevenage, UK

Young people don’t need an expert at the front of the room. They need encouragement, patience, and someone who believes in them.

What do you need to start a Code Club?

Starting a Code Club is often much simpler than people expect. At its heart, you need a safe space, a regular meeting time, and access to computers or tablets. Many clubs run in schools, libraries, and community centres. Some start small — just a handful of creators and a couple of devices — and grow over time.

Consistency matters more than scale. Meeting once a week, or once or twice a month helps build routine and momentum. Over time, the club becomes something young people look forward to — a space that feels different from a typical lesson, where creativity and fun is encouraged.

“Since starting Code Club, I’ve seen students discover strengths they don’t always show at school. Quiet students became leaders, and new partnerships turned into friendships. It showed me how vital it is to create opportunities where all students can succeed and belong.” – Stephanie MacPhail, Bloomington, USA

Do you need to be a coding expert?

It’s completely natural to wonder if you know enough. Code Clubs thrive when mentors bring different skills, experiences, and perspectives to encourage young creators. We provide free resources such as project guides, certificates, and posters, and we offer support through online workshops, community events, and an online help desk.

Saying, “Let’s work it out together”, shows young people that not knowing is part of learning. When something doesn’t work the first time, it becomes an opportunity to practise resilience. Code Club leaders are there to guide and encourage creators through the process, not provide instant answers.

“The mistakes and the debugging — we learned together. That shared process, sticking with projects week after week and figuring things out side by side, has been really powerful.” – Rachael Coultart, Stevenage, UK

Why start a Code Club in your community?

Starting a Code Club is about more than teaching coding skills. It’s about empowering young people to become creative thinkers and resilient learners 

When young people realise they can design their own games, build their own websites, and bring their ideas to life, something shifts. For many creators, Code Club is the first time they see themselves as someone who can code.

“It makes me proud to know that I’ve made something because I used to think: I’m never going to be able to do that!… I like making games, creating stories. I’m working with the Raspberry Pi today because it looks fun.” – Alex (10), CoderDojo, Barbican Library

These moments are why so many volunteers decide to start a Code Club and stay with us.

How to get started with Code Club

If you’re considering starting a Code Club, begin with a few simple steps. Choose a venue, decide on a regular time, and think about the age group you’d like to support. Once you open your doors, keep the focus on making the space welcoming, inclusive, and creative.

You don’t need everything figured out before you start. Many leaders say the hardest part was simply taking that first step.

So, can you start a Code Club?

Yes!

Start small. Keep it consistent. Celebrate every success. Get started and run a Code Club in your community.