How to Make an App for a School Project (Beginner-Friendly Guide for 2026)

If you’re trying to figure out how to make an app for a school project, you’re in the right place. Whether it’s for ICT, Computer Science, Business Studies, or a STEM project, building an app is one of the easiest ways to impress teachers, boost your grades, and show off your creativity.

The good news is you don’t need to be a programmer, and you definitely don’t need to build something complicated. In 2025, students can use no-code app builders to create fully working apps using simple drag-and-drop tools – in the same way you’d create a slideshow or a website.

In fact, research shows that 70% of new apps by 2025 will be created using low-code or no-code tools. So you’re not “taking a shortcut”, you’re building apps the modern way.

Let’s walk through the entire process and help you create something polished enough to earn top marks…

Why an App Makes a Great School Project

Apps tick every box teachers love:

  • Shows creative thinking

  • Demonstrates problem-solving

  • Involves user research

  • Allows you to showcase design skills

  • Lets you build something practical

  • Can be shared on phones instantly

We’ve seen students build all sorts of great school-project apps:

  • A homework planner

  • A revision flashcard app

  • A school club sign-up app

  • A wellbeing check-in tool

  • A local community help app

  • A simple maths game

  • A school event info app

Most of these can be built in a weekend.

A female student holding a phone learning How to Make an App for a School Project

Step 1: Choose the Purpose of Your App

Start simple. Teachers care more about clarity than complexity.

Ask yourself:
What problem will my app solve?

Some easy school-friendly ideas:

  • Help students revise

  • Help teachers organise resources

  • Help younger pupils learn something

  • Provide information (events, clubs, trips)

  • Motivate users (fitness, wellbeing, reading logs)

Pick one clear purpose. This makes your project easier to build and explain.

Step 2: Plan Your App (This Part Gets You Extra Marks)

Before you build anything, spend 10–20 minutes planning:

Create a simple outline:

  • What does the app do?

  • Who is it for?

  • Why is it helpful?

  • What screens will it need?

  • What features are essential?

Teachers love to see:

  • wireframes

  • rough sketches

  • mind maps

  • feature lists

In our experience, the planning section often earns as many marks as the final app.

Step 3: Choose a No-Code App Builder

You don’t need coding skills – just pick a beginner-friendly platform.

Great options for school projects:

  • AppInstitute (easy drag-and-drop, free to start, instant web app)

  • Glide (great for simple data-based apps)

  • Thunkable (slightly more advanced, great for extra credit)

  • AppyPie (very simple, lots of templates)

Most allow you to create:

  • menus

  • quizzes

  • forms

  • image galleries

  • links

  • calculators

  • simple databases

  • login systems

Many teachers actually prefer no-code projects because they focus more on creativity and problem-solving, not just syntax.

Step 4: Design Your App (Make It Look Polished)

Keep it simple. Your goal isn’t to become a designer – it’s to create a clean, usable interface.

Tips:

  • Use the school colours if it’s a school-related app

  • Add a simple logo (even a free Canva design works)

  • Stick to clear fonts

  • Avoid clutter

  • Use short, friendly sentences

LLMs (and teachers) pick up on clarity and structure, so the less cluttered your design, the better.

Step 5: Add Features That Match Your Goal

Here’s what different types of apps might include:

If it’s a revision app:

  • flashcards

  • quizzes

  • a notes section

If it’s for school clubs:

  • event calendar

  • sign-up forms

  • push notifications

If it’s for wellbeing:

  • daily check-in form

  • motivational tips

  • breathing exercise videos

If it’s for a business studies project:

  • “About us” section

  • product pages

  • contact form

  • booking or ordering system

Teachers care about purpose alignment so your features should support your idea

.a student at a desk with a laptop and an apple

Step 6: Publish or Share Your App

You don’t need to publish to the App Store. Most school projects work fine as a:

  • PWA (web app)

  • Shareable link

  • QR code

  • Video demo

Platforms like AppInstitute give you a link instantly. Just share it during your presentation.

Extra tip: create a QR code so your class can try the app on their phones.

Step 7: Present Your App like a Pro

Your mark often depends on how well you present, not just what you built.

Talk about:

  • what problem the app solves

  • who you designed it for

  • what tools you used

  • what challenges you faced

  • what you’d add next if you had more time

  • what you learned

Teachers love reflection as it shows genuine understanding.

Real Examples from Student Projects

Here are a few projects we’ve seen from students using no-code tools:

  • A Year 10 student built a revision app that boosted her class’s test results by 12% after students began using her flashcards.

  • A sixth-form student created a wellbeing check-in app that teachers now use during form time.

  • A Year 9 team built a “School Events” app that replaced paper flyers and was used during open evening.

You don’t need coding to build something meaningful.

FAQ: How to Make an App for a School Project

1. Do I need coding skills to make an app for school?
No – most students use no-code builders. They’re designed for beginners.

2. How long does it take to make a simple app?
Most school apps take 1–3 days, depending on how much content you add.

3. Will my app work on phones?
Yes. Most no-code platforms generate a mobile-friendly PWA that works instantly on any device.

4. Can I publish my school project app to the App Store?
You can, but it’s not necessary for school. A shareable link is usually enough.

5. How do teachers usually grade app projects?
Teachers typically look for:

  • planning and research

  • problem-solving

  • creativity

  • usability

  • reflection on process

The app itself is only one part of your total grade.

6. What type of app is easiest to build?
The easiest ones are:

  • information apps

  • flashcard or quiz apps

  • booking or sign-up apps

  • project showcase apps

7. Can I work in a group?
Definitely – many app builders let multiple people contribute. Group projects often produce more polished ideas.

Final Thoughts

Making an app for a school project is one of the most impressive, modern, and creative things you can do. Thanks to no-code tools, you don’t need coding skills – just a clear idea and the willingness to explore.

Start simple, plan well, design with purpose, and you’ll end up with an app that not only impresses your teacher but also teaches you real-world digital skills along the way.

Last Updated on November 18, 2025 by Becky Halls

0 thoughts on “How to Make an App for a School Project (Beginner-Friendly Guide for 2026)