Case Study: Cornerstone Academy Trust

Bringing coding to life across the Cornerstone Academy Trust: Enhancing classroom learning through hands-on computing

How Cornerstone Academy Trust uses Purple Mash and BBC micro:bits to build confidence, engagement, and inclusivity.

Across the Cornerstone Academy Trust, primary teachers are discovering the impact of integrating Purple Mash’s 2Code tool with BBC micro:bits. In a recent survey, teachers from schools across the Trust shared how this integration boosted their confidence, increased student engagement, and supported all learners, including those with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

For many of these schools, it has been their first time exploring physical computing, and Purple Mash has offered an easy, accessible starting point.

Quick highlights 

• 80% of teachers felt more confident teaching coding
• 100% reported higher engagement through hands-on coding
• 80% agreed that the tools were accessible to SEN pupils
• Majority saw no gender gap in coding confidence

Building teacher confidence

Before implementation, most teachers described having low confidence in teaching coding, especially with physical devices like micro:bits. Purple Mash’s structure and ease of use has helped to bridge that gap.

"Purple Mash is quite straightforward to use when introducing micro:bits. I don't have experience with micro:bits previously to this year, but the resources have helped my understanding and allow me to help the children."
— Gigi Labram, Yeo Valley Primary School

"The tasks and tutorials have given me the confidence to teach others."
— Richard Sills, Countess Wear Primary School

Hands-on coding

Integrating micro:bits into lessons transforms abstract coding concepts into tangible experiences for students. With Purple Mash's 2Code, students write code and see immediate results on their micro:bits, whether it’s creating a name badge, a step counter, or even a simple game. This hands-on approach not only reinforces coding concepts but also boosts student engagement.

Pupil engagement comes to life

Educators across the Trust observe increased enthusiasm when students code using micro:bits. The ability to see code in action makes computing more real and more fun.

"They far more enjoy the hands-on part of using micro:bits – it makes coding real and visible."
— Kerry Jackson, Monkerton Community Primary

"This has helped my children go from novice coders to more fluent in their understanding."
— Jessica Johnson, Countess Wear Primary School

Supporting SEN learners effectively

Teachers highlight the accessibility of Purple Mash’s interface, which makes it particularly helpful for pupils with additional needs.

"My children with SEN are confident using the site. It’s familiar, easy to navigate, and supports independent learning."
— Gigi Labram, Yeo Valley Primary School

"I am able to provide ample support and challenge for my range of students."
— Niamh Evans, Westclyst Community Primary School

While some pupils occasionally need extra guidance, particularly for more complex tasks or where reading is a barrier, the clear structure and hands-on nature of the activities help learners access the content at their own pace.

Growing independence and confidence in the classroom

Even teachers who were initially unfamiliar with micro:bits find that Purple Mash's resources make the integration seamless. The step-by-step guides, lesson plans, and support materials are instrumental in building teacher confidence when delivering coding lessons.

The benefits aren't limited to teacher confidence. Across the trust, teachers report pupils becoming more independent coders too.

"Children seem more confident working independently."
— Ciara James, Broadclyst

Importantly, teachers note that coding confidence spans across genders.

"There are a couple of children in my class who are more confident with code- it is a mixture of boys and girls."
— Jessica Johnson, Countess Wear Primary School

Trust-Wide success 

The Cornerstone Academy Trust’s experience demonstrates the real impact of combining Purple Mash with BBC micro:bits. By enabling students to see real-world outcomes from their code, this powerful pairing makes learning tangible, exciting, and relevant.

Over 80% of teachers in the survey report feeling more confident teaching coding with the support of Purple Mash. They appreciate how quick and easy it was to set up. With clear teacher guidance and pre-built activities that work seamlessly with micro:bits, Purple Mash removes the technical barriers often found in other platforms.

Interested in bringing this success to your school or trust?

Explore how Purple Mash’s 2Code tool and micro:bit integration can support confident coding in your classroom. Request a demonstration with a member of the team to see it in action.

Already a Purple Mash user and would like to learn more about using micro:bits with Purple Mash? Explore our Purple Mash and micro:bit videos on Youtube or book a 1-1 Mash Chat.