Code for Life
Code for Life: A free, open-source web platform for structured Blockly and Python learning. Ranked #30 of 42 in Coding Learning Software by our editors (5.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for primary and lower-secondary classroom learning.
At a glance
- Editor score5.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forPrimary and lower-secondary classroom learning
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Feedback modeGuided
- Founded2014 · Hatfield, United Kingdom
- Facts checked23 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free access with no paid tiers
- Teacher dashboard tracks class and learner progress
- Blockly and Python lessons support ages 5–14
Where it doesn't
- Web-only access
- No listed integrations
- Not designed around project-based learning
Our verdict on Code for Life
Code for Life is a free, open-source coding education platform for primary and lower-secondary learners, teachers, and families supporting home learning. Operated by Ocado Innovation Limited, it combines coding games, structured lessons, classroom resources, assessments, and progress tracking in a web-based environment. Rapid Router introduces programming through Blockly, while Python Den develops Python skills through lessons and an IDE. Home-learning pathways cover children aged 5–14, and the resources align with the UK computing curriculum.
The Free plan includes coding games, teaching and lesson resources, and progress tracking. Its broader feature set adds practical classroom support through teacher dashboards, lesson plans, videos, worksheets, assessments, coding club packs, and educational resources. Educators can create and share custom levels, while learners encounter algorithms, debugging, loops, selection, variables, and procedures. The combination suits structured instruction and guided practice more than open-ended project work.
Code for Life’s strongest fit is a school or family looking for an accessible web platform with both visual programming and Python content. Teachers gain tools for monitoring class and learner progress, while students can move from Blockly-based activities toward Python lessons. The trade-off is a narrower platform footprint: access is web-only, and no integrations are listed. It is also not positioned as a project-based learning environment. Choose it for free curriculum-oriented coding instruction and classroom resources; consider an alternative if mobile apps, connected education systems, or project-led learning are central requirements.
Code for Life pricing
Code for Life fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Feedback mode | Guided |
| Learning format | Mixed |
| Programming languages | Blockly, Python |
| Project-based learning | Yes |
| Mobile apps | Not verified |
| Computer science topics | Yes |
| Deployment | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | codeforlife.education |
| Facts checked | 23 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Code for Life
- CodeAI (formerly Code.org)A free, structured web curriculum with classroom tools, labs, and educator support.9.0
- freeCodeCampA completely free, open-source path from coding challenges to full-stack certifications.9.0
- CodecademyA broad coding curriculum with free entry and structured paid paths.8.0
See all Code for Life alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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