01 Founders launches tuition-free on-campus coding schools

01 FOUNDERS on Wednesday (2) launched network for the first of its free-to-access on-campus coding schools which will train 100,000 software engineers by 2030, with a job guarantee for each graduate.

Co-founded by serial entrepreneur Brent Hoberman as part of the Founders Forum Group, 01 Founders is a new network of tuition-free coding schools - designed to empower the ambitious and talented, regardless of background or experience, to pursue careers as software engineers.

Students are pre-selected based on a short cognitive test, followed by a month-long selection pool over the summer. Those who pass the test period are admitted tuition-free for the intensive two-year, on-campus fellowship.

By challenging the high fees associated with existing coding schools, 01 Founders aims to be a catalyst for greater diversity within UK tech whilst tackling the deepening UK skills shortage. As part of this mission, the school also has ambitious targets for cohort representation: 50 per cent women, 30 per cent ethnic minorities, and 50 per cent individuals from under-represented backgrounds.

On graduating, students are matched with partner companies or employed by the 01 Founders talent agency as full-stack developers.

01 Founders has appointed entrepreneur and education activist Joysy John as CEO to lead the nationwide roll out of their coding schools.

The schools have the private backing of London’s largest further education group Capital City College Group, as well as serial entrepreneurs Kathleen Breitman (Tezos) and Rodrigo Abdalla. Its advisory board comprises leading figures from the tech and education sectors including June Angelides, Amali de Alwis, Lord Ed Vaizey and Lord Jim Knight.

“We believe that digital skills give you the ability to shape the world around you. But for too long, women, ethnic minorities and those from low socio-economic backgrounds have been under-represented in technology. 01 Founders is starting a nationwide movement that removes the barriers to job-ready technical training. It's a coding school for ambitious individuals from every background, regardless of experience,” Joysy John said.

01 Founders is now accepting applications for the first London cohort of 250 learners who will start in October 2021. For more information visit 01Founders.co