Sunderland is set to become the first place in the UK to introduce esports across 14 primary and secondary schools, creating the country's largest school-based esports programme.
The city is uniquely positioned to be a national leader in educational esports, with Sunderland headquartered British Esports Federation supporting schools to create safe, supervised gaming environments that help develop digital skills, teamwork, confidence and pathways into future careers.
The co-ordinated roll out is part of a council funded pioneering £2m enrichment programme designed to boost engagement in education and raise aspirations, particularly in communities where additional support and opportunities can have the greatest impact.
Ryhope Junior School Leads the Way
Ryhope Junior School is one of the first schools in the city to complete its dedicated esports suite and will serve as the flagship school for the programme's launch. The wider esports investment is expected to total between £900,000 and £1 million across 14 Sunderland schools and will benefit around 3,600 pupils citywide.
The programme is being delivered by Together for Children in partnership with British Esports, which recently opened the British Arena, part of the National Esports Performance Campus, near the Stadium of Light in Sunderland.
Schools involved were identified using data including attendance rates, exclusions, suspensions and Free School Meal eligibility to make sure investment is targeted where it can deliver the greatest benefit. Participating schools will be supported by students from Sunderland College to develop learning resources that build pathways from primary education through to further and higher education and future employment.
What the Partners Say
Councillor Chris Eynon, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said:
This is a unique opportunity to take advantage of the benefits that come from having British Esports headquartered in Sunderland for young people across our city. Esports is one of the fastest growing industries in the world and this partnership not only paves the way for more of our young people to develop future careers in the digital, creative and technology-based sectors, but will help equip them with wider transferable skills that employers are looking for.
Councillor Carol Giles, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Social Mobility at Sunderland City Council, said:
This programme is focused on children who have fewer opportunities outside school and is all about supporting improved attendance, wellbeing and increased engagement in school life, as well as providing children with experiences and opportunities they may not otherwise have, at the same time as reducing digital exclusion.
Rather than focusing solely on gaming, it uses young people's existing interests as a route into learning, communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving and online safety.
Fiona Lynn, Headteacher of Ryhope Junior School, said:
We’re excited to be one of the first schools in Sunderland to launch an esports suite as part of this innovative programme. It provides a modern and engaging opportunity for our pupils, helping us build on attendance, wellbeing and enrichment while introducing children to new skills and aspirations.
Many of our pupils already have an interest in gaming and digital technology. This facility allows us to channel that interest in a safe, structured and purposeful way through both the curriculum and wider enrichment activities, supporting learning, confidence and personal development. Being part of a wider Sunderland programme adds an extra layer of excitement, with the opportunity to collaborate and compete with other schools as the initiative grows. With the British Arena now open, our pupils will have the chance to compete against schools from across the UK and be part of what has the potential to become a flagship esports programme for Sunderland and the wider North East.
Kalam Neale, Vice President at British Esports, said:
What makes this programme significant is not simply the investment in esports facilities, but the creation of a connected education and skills ecosystem. Through the National Esports Performance Campus, Sunderland has developed a hub and spoke model that brings together schools, families, community partners, Further Education, Higher Education and employers to create meaningful progression opportunities for young people.
By combining facilities, teacher development, careers education and employer engagement, we're helping young people build the skills, confidence and aspirations needed for future success. We believe Sunderland is creating a nationally leading blueprint that other local authorities and education partnerships can learn from and replicate to improve engagement, raise attainment and strengthen pathways into education and employment that will deliver long term social and economic impact.
Support and Wider Enrichment
Schools will receive support including staff training, coaching qualifications, online safeguarding guidance, competitions and curriculum resources to ensure esports is delivered safely and effectively.
The wider Together for Children enrichment programme includes investment in a range of enrichment opportunities, including outdoor adventure spaces, social, emotional and mental health provision, and facilities designed to improve children's experiences both inside and outside the classroom.
Kimberley Richardson, Director of Education at Together for Children which delivers children's services on behalf of Sunderland City Council, said:
Enrichment activities don’t just support children’s mental and physical health; there's strong evidence to show that they also boost attendance and engagement.
That’s why we’re taking a proactive, data driven approach, using the link between enrichment and attendance to improve outcomes for children in the schools identified.
By connecting children's interests with education, skills development and career pathways, Sunderland aims to create a nationally recognised model in partnership with British Esports Federation for educational esports that could shape how schools across the UK engage and inspire the next generation.
Bike tracks, soft play and forest school areas are among the possibilities identified as part of a wider £2m capital investment programme in a number of nurseries, primary and secondary schools across Sunderland.
