NEW! LEGO® Education Science - SHOP NOW!

Download your FREE STEAM Wall Calendar

Schools can shop online and still pay via invoice.

 

One of the most common questions teachers ask is: “Which LEGO® Education SPIKE™ set is right for our learners?” 

Both SPIKE Essential and SPIKE PRIME are designed to teach STEM, coding, and problem-solving skills. Each set, however, targets different age groups and learning outcomes. Understanding these differences can help you choose the most suitable option for your classroom.

1. Age Group & Learning Stage

SPIKE Essential: Designed for learners aged 6–10 (UK Key Stages 1–2, Irish Primary). It introduces computational thinking through playful, hands-on activities across STEM subjects.

SPIKE PRIME: Aimed at learners aged 10+ (UK Key Stage 3, Irish Junior Cycle). It builds on earlier foundations with more advanced robotics, engineering, and coding challenges.

2. Building Style

SPIKE Essential: Combines colourful LEGO® bricks with a small number of Technic elements. Builds are simple, engaging, and accessible for younger learners.

SPIKE PRIME: Uses a wider range of Technic beams, gears, and connectors. This allows for more complex designs that develop problem-solving and engineering skills.

3. Hardware & Electronics

SPIKE Essential: Small Hub (2 ports), 2 motors, 1 colour sensor, and a 3×3 light matrix.

SPIKE PRIME: Large Hub (6 ports, built-in gyro, speaker, 5×5 LED matrix), 3 motors, and 3 sensors (distance, force, colour).

4. Coding Pathways

SPIKE Essential: Uses icon- and word-block-based coding. The interface is intuitive and well suited for early readers, similar in style to Scratch Jr.

SPIKE PRIME: Provides block-based coding (Scratch) and text-based coding (Python). This combination supports progression into secondary-level computing and links to real-world applications.

5. Themes, Curriculum Fit & Competitions

SPIKE Essential: Lessons connect with primary-level literacy, numeracy, and science. Minifigure story animations introduce real-world scenarios to build and code around.

SPIKE PRIME: Lessons are organised into themes such as Invention Squad, Kickstart a Business, and Training Trackers, which support deeper exploration of engineering and design. SPIKE PRIME is also widely used in competitions such as the FIRST® LEGO League Challenge.

Conclusion 

Both SPIKE Essential and SPIKE PRIME provide high-quality STEM learning experiences, designed to complement each other across different stages of education. SPIKE Essential supports younger learners as they begin to develop problem-solving and coding skills. SPIKE PRIME extends learning into advanced robotics and programming, preparing students for future studies in STEM. Many schools choose to use both sets to ensure a smooth progression from primary through secondary education.

Still not sure? Contact Creative Hut and we’ll help you find the perfect fit for your classroom.

Latest Stories

View all

Building Skills, Building Futures: How LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Connects CSR to Real-World Industry Impact

Building Skills, Building Futures: How LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Connects CSR to Real-World Industry Impact

In a world driven by technology, innovation, and creativity, corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes are evolving. Forward-thinking companies are no longer limiting CSR to donations or volunteering days - they’re investing in education partnerships that inspire future talent and create...

Read more

LEGO® Education SPIKE™ in the UK Curriculum: Bringing Computing and STEM to Life

LEGO® Education SPIKE™ in the UK Curriculum: Bringing Computing and STEM to Life

The UK National Curriculum encourages students not just to use technology, but to understand and create with it. LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Essential and SPIKE™ Prime bring these goals to life through hands-on STEM projects that blend computing, science, maths, and...

Read more

Discovering Dyslexia: A Journey of Understanding, Hope and Hands-On STEM Support

Discovering Dyslexia: A Journey of Understanding, Hope and Hands-On STEM Support

As part of Dyslexia Awareness Week, our Chief Marketing Officer, Simon Davenport, shares a personal story about his family’s journey with dyslexia, from diagnosis to discovering the power of hands-on STEM learning. His reflections highlight how inclusive, practical approaches can...

Read more