UK school becomes one of the first to offer qualification in competitive video gaming

A secondary school has become one of the first in the world to offer an Esports qualification after installing a gaming arena at the college.

Wilmington Academy in Dartford has invested thousands of pounds in the new Esports arena after launching its BTEC course.

It hopes will give the students the skills to become professional players.

A growing billion-pound industry, Esports has opened up countless new career paths spanning from pro gamer athletes to “shoutcasters” – broadcasters who run live commentary on matches on Twitch and Youtube.

It is also linked to highly sought-after skills in the digital jobs market including data analysis and video production, as well as more conventional skills in communication and teamwork.

Professional Esports teams have even been set up by top football clubs Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, whose players compete online in games such as FIFA, Fortnite and League of Legends.

Wilmington Academy is among the first group of schools in the UK to offer its pupils a chance to study the subject.

During the pandemic, UK education provider Pearson partnered with the British Esports Association to design a BTEC Level 3 qualification in Esports, the first of its kind in the world.

The qualification covers a wide range of knowledge and skills required to work in and around the industry, including video production, games design and launching an enterprise, as well as skills and analysis of Esports games.

The Leigh Academies Trust and other local sponsors have given the mixed school £25,000.