Code Ninjas is off to an electrifying start in 2025, kicking off the year with a string of impressive accomplishments that are laying the foundation for an exciting future. Just three months in, the kids coding brand – launched in the UK in 2019 – is already celebrating new locations, notable achievements and passionate leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities – all while inspiring the next generation of tech talent.

One of the standout successes so far has been six Dojos achieving the coveted Black Belt status, placing them among the top 10 in the system. Borehamwood, Welwyn Garden City, Enfield, Hornchurch, Epsom and Milton Keynes have all been recognised for their dedication and consistency. This milestone reflects strong retention rates and positive feedback from parents, who have seen firsthand how the programme is helping their children develop valuable skills. CEO Navin Gurnaney views this as a sign that families recognise the lasting value of the experience.

“The recognition of our Dojos is a testament to the incredible work of our teams across the country,” said Navin. “It’s inspiring to see these Dojos at the forefront of tech education, creating a lasting impact on the lives of children and setting the foundation for the future of tech innovation. We are just getting started, and the momentum we’re seeing in 2025 is truly exciting.”

This positive momentum has also extended to growth, with a new location recently opening in Trafford, Manchester to meet the increasing demand for STEM education. Leading the new Dojo are Vishnu Kumar Tellakula and Raja Manikanta Diddi, who bring over 30 years of combined IT experience to their new venture. They’re eager to provide the local community with an engaging and structured introduction to coding.

“We’re thrilled to be able to offer kids in our community a space to explore coding in a way that’s exciting and meaningful,” said Vishnu. “As technology continues to evolve, IT skills are going to be more important than ever. We truly believe Code Ninjas will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the next generation of tech innovators.”

Raja added, “Our mission is to spark a passion for technology, providing kids with the opportunity to learn and grow at their own pace. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch them level up through our belt system, all while having fun along the way!”

The accomplishments don’t end there. Sophie Johnston, Centre Director at Code Ninjas, has recently been named UK Regional Centre Director of the Year. Sophie’s meteoric rise from Lead Sensei to Centre Director in just two months is a clear reflection of her passion for creating an inclusive environment where every child can thrive.

Despite having no prior coding experience, Sophie embraced the challenge with a fierce commitment to making tech education accessible to all. “Taking on this role was an incredible opportunity,” shared Sophie. “John and Steve Yew, the Centre Owners, saw my potential and trusted me to step up to the challenge. I wasn’t exposed to coding at an early age since school IT lessons focused mostly on basic computing skills, so I had to learn quickly. Thankfully, my amazing team of Senseis and our Ninjas, the term we use for our students, helped teach me along the way – and they had fun doing it too!”

Sophie’s dedication to encouraging young girls to explore tech and break the stereotype that coding is just for boys was a key factor in her earning this award. “Young girls and women may think they have to be ‘natural’ at coding, but that’s not true at all. I discovered that learning to code is a superpower for this next generation. I’m truly honoured to be recognised for this work – it means so much to know that the impact I’m striving to make is being celebrated.”

Looking ahead, Navin is optimistic about what the future holds: “The energy and momentum we’re seeing across our Dojos is truly inspiring. From achieving Black Belt status to expanding into new communities and recognising outstanding leaders like Sophie, 2025 is shaping up to be an extraordinary year. I’m excited to continue empowering children and shaping the future of tech education.”

For more information about Code Ninjas, visit www.codeninjas.co.uk