The Night of Code 2026: Prepare your students for the biggest marathon of educational programming

by Fidel Navamuel · September 16, 2025

Last updated on 16 September 2025

The Night of the Code is a Programming marathon organized for students of different school levels, ranging from average to post-baccalaureate. Participants, in teams of two or three, have six hours to code a game. French schools, whether in France or abroad, can participate and enrol as many students as they wish. Registration is free of charge.

A unique opportunity for your students to develop their programming skills, take on challenges and have fun while creating a team game.

The 2026 edition of La Nuit du Code promises to be special: it celebrates 10 years of this international programming marathon. Since its creation, this event has become a must-attend event for teachers wishing to introduce their students to coding in a fun and collaborative way.

A site "The Night of the Code‘ Provides you with free tips and resources to make this event a success that attendees remember for a long time. An event that generates or confirms great vocations.

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An international event to develop coding skills, but not only

Like other large operations of this type (Castor Computing Competition) the objectives of the Night of the Code are multiple. First, this event aims to encourage students to work together on a programming challenge. This makes it possible to develop their coding skills, problem-solving and teamwork. In addition, the Night of the Code offers a unique opportunity for students to put the knowledge acquired in the classroom into practice in a real and stimulating context.

.In addition, the Night of the Code aims to promoting the learning of computer programming in schools. By providing educational resources and materials, the event encourages schools to integrate coding education into their curriculum.

Finally, the Night of the Code also aims to create an international community of students who are passionate about programming. By allowing French schools around the world to participate, the event promotes cultural exchanges and knowledge sharing between students from different countries.

A constantly growing event

The figures speak for themselves: for the 2025 edition, 533 schools registered, representing more than 14,000 students from 346 cities and 49 countries. This steady increase reflects the growing enthusiasm of the educational teams for this event, which combines pedagogy and entertainment.

The principle: 6 hours to create a video game

La Nuit du Code retains its proven format: in teams of 2 or 3, students have a maximum of 6 hours (or less for younger children) for Design and program a video game entirely. Contrary to what its name might suggest, the event can take place at any time of the day depending on the constraints of each institution.

Each year, the competition offers several game worlds. Students discover them when the event opens and must select one. Each game world encompasses all the essential elements such as sounds and backgrounds to design the game.

Six categories for all levels

Organisation 2026 maintains six distinct categories :

scratch (visual programming interface):

CM1-6e
5th-3rd

Pub
High school

Python (with the Pyxel game engine):

NSI First
NSI Terminale
Post-bac

How to participate in the night of code 2026? Organisation and timetable

Registration period

Registrations are open from September to the end of May 2026 via the official website www.nuitducode.net. The entry is completely free and each school can enrol as many pupils as it wishes.

Preparation phase

From January to May 2026, the institutions organise preparations, training and any internal selections. Comprehensive teaching resources are available to teachers.

Implementation period

Each institution organizes its Night of the Code between 4 May and 30 May 2026 according to its resources and constraints. Institutions not wishing to participate in the international selection can organise the event until 30 June.

Turnkey educational resources

One of the major strengths of La Nuit du Code is the support offered to teachers. All documents, resources, tutorials and materials are provided to minimise the investment required by the organisation.

Preparation material is available, including detailed fact sheets and tutorials, explanatory videos, training topics, and presentation slideshows for students, families and colleagues. Discussion spaces between organisers are also provided to facilitate exchanges.

Technical resources

To prepare students, no prior knowledge of Scratch or Python is required. A few preparation sessions and a little work in autonomy are enough to enable students to participate effectively.

The organisation itself does not entail any major costs other than the mobilisation of adults. Linstitutions simply need to provide a minimum of logistics for the event, including sufficient computers, supervisors, and food and beverages for participants.

There is nothing to prevent several institutions from grouping together. On the contrary.

Embark your students on the night of code 2026

Code Night 2026 represents an exceptional opportunity for your students to develop their digital skills in a friendly, stimulating and caring environment. This 10th edition promises to be even richer in innovations and sharing experiences. Do not hesitate any more: register your school and offer your students this unique experience of collaborative creation!

Get started! Everything you need is there on the site of the operation.

Full resources: nightducode.forge.apps.education.fr