AI Course Check

National Centre for Computing Education

AI in primary computing

AI in primary computing is a free course from National Centre for Computing Education, online. It takes about 1.5 hours.

National Centre for Computing Education doesn't say whether there is a certificate. We rate it beginner level; the provider doesn't say.

Before you sign up

Suits primary teachers and computing subject leaders who want to know where AI fits in the primary curriculum. What stands out is the focus on age-appropriate resources that slot into existing lessons. The main caveat is that it is short and introductory, and the page gives two lengths: 2 hours in the summary and about 1.5 hours in the detail. A free alternative with a wider view across school settings is the Department for Education's Using AI in education settings materials.

Properties

Provider
National Centre for Computing Education
Format
Self-paced
Delivery
Online
Duration
About 1.5 h
Level
Beginner (our rating)
Cost
Free
Certificate
Not stated by provider
Language
English
Funding
None
Next start
Start any time

Checked against National Centre for Computing Education on 26 Oct 2026

Go to course on teachcomputing.org

We're independent. Providers can't pay to be listed or ranked.

What you'll learn

A free self-paced online course for primary computing subject leaders and teachers on what AI is, how pupils meet it in everyday life, where it fits in the primary computing curriculum and how to add age-appropriate AI resources to existing lessons. Access lasts a year after booking.

  • AI literacy and fundamentals

See also: AI courses for beginners, free AI courses.

Who it's for

Level: beginner (our rating). Delivery: online, self-paced.

Prerequisites

Not stated by provider.

Is AI in primary computing free?

Free.

Certificate: not stated by provider.

Where to take it

Taking this course from the UK

National Centre for Computing Education is a UK provider. We checked this course on its own page on 26 Oct 2026.

It is free to take. We show any paid extras, such as a certificate, as the provider prices them.

If you want a free, government-backed start instead, AI Skills Boost gives every adult in the UK free AI courses, and finishing selected ones earns an AI foundations badge.

None of the UK funding schemes we track pays for this course. See free and funded training by nation for what is funded where you live.

Other UK courses for teachers and educators: Using AI in education settings: support materials (Department for Education), Using GenAI with Confidence for University & College Professional Services Staff (University of Edinburgh), AI and Ethics in GCSE computer science (National Centre for Computing Education).

See also: free and funded training by nation, AI courses for teachers and educators.

Questions people ask

How much does AI in primary computing cost?

It's free.

How long does AI in primary computing take?

About 1.5 hours, self-paced.

Do I need experience first?

It's a beginner course (our rating; the provider does not state a level). The provider does not list prerequisites.

When does AI in primary computing start?

Start any time.

Are National Centre for Computing Education AI courses free?

Yes, every one we list is free or free to learn, including AI and Ethics in GCSE computer science and AI in primary computing.

Alternatives

How we chose these

Similar courses on AI literacy and fundamentals

Other AI literacy and fundamentals courses, same level first.
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AI FoundationsOpenAI AcademyOnline, self-pacedFreeBeginner1Free badge
AI Capabilities and LimitationsAnthropicOnline, self-pacedFreeBeginner3.5Free badge
AI concepts for developers and technology professionalsMicrosoft LearnOnline, self-pacedFreeBeginner4Certificate not stated
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How we chose

  • Alternatives: Chosen from other courses of the same kind, then by shared topic. At least one is a UK course where one fits. Closed courses are left out.
  • Similar courses: other AI literacy and fundamentals courses, same level first.
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Go to course on teachcomputing.org