British Esports partners with the Association of School and College Leaders to champion esports opportunities in schools
British Esports, the UK’s esports federation, has announced a new partnership with the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), aiming to increase esports opportunities for students.
As esports become more popular amongst young people, the two organizations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will see education leaders given access to expert support, advice and guidance around competitive video gaming.
“Esports forms an exciting part of many young people’s lives, and schools have a key role to play in supporting them to engage in it safely, with balance,” says Tom Dore, Vice President at British Esports.
“Our new partnership with ASCL is about giving school leaders the tools, knowledge and confidence to understand the opportunities esports can provide – from digital skills to developing teamwork and communication. We look forward to helping ASCL members to support young people to pursue their passions in a safe, healthy way.”
Esports clubs and tournaments, including the British Esports Student Champs, have increased student engagement, attendance and behaviour in schools and can support the development of STEM skills.
British Esports has developed an esports curriculum pathway, including Level 2 and 3 Esports BTEC qualifications with Pearson.
Pepe Di’Iasio, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, adds: "We are delighted to partner with British Esports. This is an industry that has evolved rapidly in recent years and is now extremely popular among children and young people, as well as having a number of transferable skills.
“We are really pleased that, through this partnership, we can provide ASCL members with the tools and information required to safely provide esports opportunities for students."
The ETIH Innovation Awards 2026
The EdTech Innovation Hub Awards celebrate excellence in global education technology, with a particular focus on workforce development, AI integration, and innovative learning solutions across all stages of education.
Now open for entries, the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 recognize the companies, platforms, and individuals driving transformation in the sector, from AI-driven assessment tools and personalized learning systems, to upskilling solutions and digital platforms that connect learners with real-world outcomes.
Submissions are open to organizations across the UK, the Americas, and internationally. Entries should highlight measurable impact, whether in K–12 classrooms, higher education institutions, or lifelong learning settings.
Winners will be announced on 14 January 2026 as part of an online showcase featuring expert commentary on emerging trends and standout innovation. All winners and finalists will also be featured in our first print magazine, to be distributed at BETT 2026.
