At the end of February we welcomed VEX Robotics UK National Championships back to Telford for the seventh time. Taking place over four days, the Championships saw teams of students from schools and organisations across the UK competing in robotics challenges.

Accessible Robotics

The VEX Robotics Competition launched in 2007 with the vision of providing a more affordable and accessible robotics program for school students aged eight to eighteen. Each year, students work in teams to design, build, and program robots to compete in a game-based engineering challenge. The winners of the National Championships then go on to compete in the World Championships in May.

The UK has been holding VEX Robotics Competitions since 2009 and the UK National Championships has now become a major milestone in the STEM education calendar. Globally, over 1.1 million students across 50 countries are engaged in VEX Robotics Competitions with 95% of participants reporting an increased interest in STEM fields.

The Road to Texas via Telford

With a record number of teams competing across the 2024/25 season, 150 qualified to compete at the UK National Championships at Telford International Centre. Out of the 150 qualifying teams, 28 will now go on to compete at the World Championships in Dallas, Texas in May.

As well as crowning their UK National Champions, VEX Robotics also have awards in a variety of other categories such as innovation, sportsmanship and energy.

More than a Robotics Competition

Whilst the aim of the event is to boost STEM learning and compete for a place at the World Championships, the participants also learn other skills such as the importance of teamwork, communication and working with others to complete challenges.

Teachers involved in the event have reported improvements in their students’ confidence, problem solving and creativity. These skills are all things which they not only bring back to other subjects, but also help them in their everyday lives.

The students also come from a wide range of backgrounds with both independent and state schools sending teams. Whilst some students might be well-travelled, for others coming to Telford could be the first time they have left their local area. Despite their differences, all students have the same excitement for the event as they meet their peers and share their love of robotics.

Many past competitors also come back each year to work as volunteers such is their passion for VEX Robotics and the Championships. For many of the volunteers it is a chance to pass on their skills to a new generation as well as to catch up with friends.

The Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution

Telford is the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution making it the perfect location for a competition focussed on STEM learning.

The VEX Robotics team love the venue’s spaciousness and modern facilities along with the large exhibition halls which provide ample room for teams and spectators, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The venue is also well-equipped with everything needed for a smooth operation, from high-quality lighting to excellent technical setups.

Commenting on their decision to choose Telford for their event, Paul McKnight, VEX Robotics, Head of Operations (EMEA) said:

“After outgrowing our previous home, we were looking for a venue that could work with us to deliver an event where - working with schools - there were very specific requirements. Telford International Centre has everything that we need, not just for now, but as we look to grow and scale in the future. The venue is just the physical space, what really makes it is the people - as well as being easy to work with they also understand what we are trying to achieve - and are like an extension of our team for the week we are there. I very much see Telford International Centre as the "home" of the UK National Championship!” 

Melissa Butterworth, REC Foundation, Regional Support Manager (UK & Ireland) adds:

"Fresh into the role, I’d heard so much about the UK National Championship, and it was even better than I imagined. I’ve previously worked with a lot of event spaces up and down the country, but Telford International Centre is definitely up there with the best. The venue’s layout is super flexible, making it easy to adapt the space to fit different needs. Plus, the area around the venue is perfect for the nature of event that we host with children and young adults—lots of places to eat and stay, which adds to making everything run smoothly. It’s easy to see why our attendees are keen to keep coming back year after year."

Telford town centre also has plenty to offer the volunteers, competitors and their families. There is a great mix of modern amenities, green spaces, shops and restaurants as well as plenty of hotels within easy walking distance of the venue. Excellent transport links also help to make Telford International Centre easily accessible for attendees from all over the country.

Congratulations to all of the competitors who made it to the UK Nationals at Telford this year. We look forward to welcoming the VEX Robotics team back to Telford next year.

Find out more about VEX Robotics and the National Championships