British Esports: Pioneering Esports Education Pathway Nominated for Edufuturists Award

Gaming Staff • May 6, 2025

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The National Esports Federation, known as British Esports, has been shortlisted for the Most Innovative Education Project at the Edufuturists Awards 2025. The nomination recognizes British Esports' role in developing a comprehensive academic pathway in esports, from the foundational Key Stage 3 level to higher education.

The pathway includes initiatives such as the British Esports Student Champs competition, which has engaged over 20,000 students, and the Esports Leadership Programme, delivered through 18 dedicated Leadership Skills Trailblazer Centres. The vocational level is covered by the internationally-recognized BTEC Qualification in Esports, developed in partnership with Pearson, with over 15,000 students studying these qualifications across more than 200 institutions globally.

In higher education, the number of dedicated esports degree programs has surged from the UK's first in 2018 to over 60 programs now offered by more than 30 universities nationwide. Esports in education nurtures crucial skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership, and acts as a powerful engagement tool.

BTEC retention rates and achievement rates significantly exceed national averages, underscoring the relevance and impact of the esports curriculum. Kalam Neale, Head of Education at British Esports, expressed pride in the nomination and hopes that more innovators will see the benefits of an esports curriculum.

The Edufuturists Awards have a proud history of celebrating educational innovators, with past winners including Deb Millar, Al Kingsley, David Harkin, and Aftab Hussain. The awards recognize institutions and projects breaking new ground in education, such as BCOT, XP School, UA92, Collaboration Laboratory, and Portsmouth Education Partnership's Digital City Project.

Winners will be determined through a combination of public voting and expert judging. Public voting is open until May 8th, 2025, and supporters can cast their votes at [www.edufuturists.com/uprising](http://www.edufuturists.com/uprising).

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