// KS3 Computing · Years 7, 8 and 9 · free · no sign-up
Free KS3 computing games
21 levelled games, one for every topic in every year of KS3 Computing: typing and online safety, hardware and the CPU, binary and data, spreadsheets, networks and cyber security, flowcharts and logic, Scratch and Python. Pupils earn stars to unlock each level, and every answer comes with an explanation.
21 gamesEvery KS3 unit, Y7 to Y9No account neededWorks on school PCs and Chromebooks
// pick a game
KS3 computing games by unit and year
The games follow the seven units of the KS3 Computing scheme of work, so each year group has a game for every unit. Choose a year to see just its games.
Introduction to Computing and online safety
Typing skills, e-safety and AILessons for this unit →Year 7 · Touch typing
Key Quest
Learn to touch type with Octo: home row, top row, bottom row, capitals and sentences, with a colour-coded finger guide.
Year 8 · E-safety and AI
Safe Surfer
Spot scams and AI voice clones, learn the words, decide what to do and what to keep private.
Year 9 · AI and emerging tech
AI Detective
Check viral posts, spot bias in AI, match the laws that protect you and fact-check before you share.
Year 7 · Computer hardware
Build-a-Computer
Put the CPU, RAM, SSD and graphics card in the right slots, then spec PCs for customers on a budget.
Year 8 · Operating systems
OS Office
Sort the operating system’s jobs, match utility software, master virtual memory and the impacts of technology.
Year 9 · Von Neumann and the CPU
CPU Commander
Match the CPU parts, run the fetch-decode-execute cycle, compare CPU performance and spot embedded systems.
Year 7 · Binary, denary and hex
Binary Blaster
Convert binary, denary and hex, then add binary numbers. Tap bits on and off and see the working every time.
Year 8 · Characters and images
Pixel Lab
Crack ASCII codes, compare ASCII and Unicode, and calculate colour depth and image file sizes.
Year 9 · Shifts, sound, compression
Sound and Squeeze
Apply binary shifts, sample sound, sort lossy from lossless and calculate file sizes.
Year 7 · Spreadsheets
Cell Detective
Find cells, crack formulas, use SUM, AVERAGE, MAX and MIN, and choose the right chart.
Year 8 · Spreadsheet models
Model Maker
Copy formulas with $ absolute references, make IF decisions, match validation checks and build models.
Year 9 · Lookups and big data
Data Dashboard
Use VLOOKUP and XLOOKUP, design dashboards, sort the Vs of big data and decide what is fair with data.
Year 7 · Networks and hardware
Network Builder
Cable up a star network, compare a hub and a switch, and route data with a MAC address table.
Year 8 · Topologies and protocols
Packet Post
Star or mesh, a packet’s journey across the internet, protocol match and network performance.
Year 9 · Systems security
Cyber Defender
Spot phishing, name the attack, pick the right defence and decide which law was broken.
Year 7 · micro:bit programming
Micro:bit Mission
Inputs and outputs, predict what the code does, build programs and count the button presses.
Year 8 · Flowcharts and Flowol
Flowchart Factory
Match the flowchart symbols, use computational thinking, trace flowcharts and control systems.
Year 9 · Algorithms and Boolean logic
Logic Lab
Linear and binary search, a bubble sort pass, AND, OR and NOT gates and logic circuits.
Year 7 · Scratch programming
Scratch Studio
Sort the blocks, predict what the sprite does, build scripts in order and debug a game.
Year 8 · Python basics
Python Predictor
Data types, predict the output, if and loops, then hunt the bugs.
Year 9 · Python: strings, lists, functions
Python Pro
String slicing, lists, line up the code (functions, files, validation) and robust programs.
Key Quest needs a physical keyboard. Stars and best scores are saved on the device being used.
// for teachers
Using the games in computing lessons
Retrieval starter
Ten minutes on last year’s game for the same unit is a quick way to bring back prior knowledge before you go deeper.
Extension task
Pupils who finish early carry on from their last level. Needing 2 stars to move on keeps them working carefully.
Before an assessment
Set the games for the units in the coming assessment window as revision, in class or at home.
Home practice
Share a link straight to a game, such as /computing-games/#u7y8 for Python Predictor. No login needed.
See what each game teaches and how it maps to the national curriculum in the KS3 computing games curriculum guide. Want the lessons behind these topics? Browse the KS3 Computing scheme of work and the free CS resource base.
// questions
KS3 computing games questions
Are these KS3 computing games free?
Yes. All 21 games are free to play in the browser, with no account, download or install.
Which topics do the games cover?
There is one game for every unit in every year of the KS3 Computing scheme of work: online safety and typing, computing fundamentals, data representation, spreadsheets and big data, networks and cyber security, computational thinking, and Scratch and Python programming, for Years 7, 8 and 9.
How do the games help pupils learn?
Each game has levels that build up in difficulty. Pupils need 2 stars to unlock the next level, so accuracy matters more than speed, and every answer comes with a short explanation of the right answer.
Do the games work on tablets and Chromebooks?
Yes. Every game works on touch screens apart from Key Quest, which teaches touch typing and needs a physical keyboard.
Is pupil progress saved?
Stars and best scores are saved in the browser on the device being used. They are not linked to an account, so progress stays on that computer.
