Front-End Development Training That Actually Prepares You
We spend a lot of time thinking about what developers actually need to know. Not just the syntax or the latest framework hype – but the kind of understanding that makes you effective when you're staring at a blank editor or debugging something that shouldn't be broken.
Our programmes run throughout 2026, starting in June. They're structured around real project work and the kind of problems you'll encounter when building interfaces people depend on.
How the Programme Develops
We've structured the curriculum around skill progression rather than arbitrary modules. Each stage builds on what came before, and you won't move forward until the fundamentals are solid.
Foundation Stage
You start with semantic HTML and CSS fundamentals – not because they're boring, but because weak foundations cause problems later. We focus on accessibility from day one.
- Document structure and semantic markup
- CSS layout systems and responsive design
- Browser behaviour and rendering concepts
- Accessibility principles and WCAG standards
JavaScript Fundamentals
This is where many learners struggle. We take JavaScript slowly, focusing on understanding rather than memorisation. You'll write a lot of code and make plenty of mistakes.
- Language fundamentals and type behaviour
- DOM manipulation and event handling
- Asynchronous patterns and promises
- Error handling and debugging techniques
Modern Framework Application
Once you understand vanilla JavaScript properly, frameworks make sense. We focus on React, but the principles apply elsewhere. You'll build actual applications, not tutorials.
- Component architecture and state management
- Hooks and lifecycle understanding
- Data fetching and server communication
- Performance considerations and optimisation
Professional Practice
The final stage focuses on working like a professional developer. Version control, testing, deployment, and collaboration. This is what actually prepares you for team environments.
- Git workflows and collaboration patterns
- Testing approaches and quality assurance
- Build tools and deployment processes
- Code review and team communication
Practical Implementation Guides
Building Accessible Forms
Forms are harder than they look. This guide walks through proper labelling, validation feedback, and error handling that actually helps users.
- Structure forms with proper semantic HTML
- Implement clear label associations
- Create helpful validation messages
- Handle errors without losing user data
- Test with keyboard navigation
Responsive Layout Techniques
Moving beyond breakpoints. We cover fluid typography, flexible grids, and how to think about layout systems that adapt naturally.
- Set up flexible grid foundations
- Implement fluid typography scales
- Create adaptive spacing systems
- Handle image responsiveness properly
- Test across device contexts
State Management Patterns
State gets complicated fast. This covers when to lift state up, when to keep it local, and how to avoid common mistakes that cause bugs.
- Identify appropriate state locations
- Implement lifting state patterns
- Use context for shared state
- Avoid unnecessary re-renders
- Debug state-related issues
Performance Optimisation
Your site feels slow. Here's how to diagnose why and fix the actual problems rather than applying random optimisations you read about.
- Measure performance properly
- Identify bottlenecks with dev tools
- Optimise critical rendering path
- Implement lazy loading strategically
- Verify improvements with metrics
CSS Architecture
Organising CSS as projects grow. We explore naming conventions, file structure, and how to write styles that don't become impossible to maintain.
- Structure stylesheet organisation
- Apply consistent naming patterns
- Manage specificity deliberately
- Create reusable component styles
- Document style decisions
API Integration Patterns
Connecting to backend services properly. Covers error handling, loading states, data caching, and the things that tutorials skip.
- Structure API communication layer
- Handle loading and error states
- Implement retry logic
- Cache responses appropriately
- Display helpful error messages
Extended Career Progression
We stay in touch with graduates. Not for marketing purposes, but because watching how careers develop helps us understand what actually matters in the curriculum. These are real progressions from people who completed programmes in 2024.
Callum Brierley
Junior Developer → Mid-Level Engineer
Callum came from a design background with minimal coding experience. The foundation stage was challenging – he spent extra time on JavaScript fundamentals and repeated some assessments.
Henrik Lindqvist
Career Change → Front-End Specialist
Henrik left accounting at 34 to pursue development. The transition was difficult – he struggled initially with abstract thinking required for programming but persisted through the foundation stage.
Programme Information for 2026
We run three cohorts throughout the year. Each programme lasts six months with evening and weekend options available. The next intake begins in June 2026.
Admission isn't automatic. We conduct technical assessments and interviews because the programme demands significant time commitment and self-direction.
Duration
Six months intensive study with project work. Expect 20-25 hours weekly commitment including live sessions and independent learning.
Format
Combination of live instruction, paired programming, code review sessions, and individual project work with mentor support.
Requirements
No prior experience required but mathematical thinking helps. Must complete pre-course assessment and technical interview.