Esports Education and Qualification Reform Update
Ntesports Managing Director Nik Turner recently attended Esports Sector Briefing held jointly between Pearson, the awarding body for the BTEC in esports and British Esports. The following is Nik’s summary of the event.
Overview
Laura Hall, Manager for the Business Portfolio for Vocational Qualifications at Pearson which includes esports, provided an update on the ongoing reforms affecting Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications. She was joined by Kalam Neale, Head of Education at British Esports, who shared insights on British Esports’ initiatives and their broader role in the industry.
Qualification Reforms and Government Policy
Laura Hall opened the briefing by outlining the evolving policy landscape regarding Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications. She explained that reform efforts, initially introduced in 2022, aimed to streamline academic and technical pathways while defunding qualifications with low or no registrations. Reflecting on the progress of these reforms, Hall explained:
“Esports has largely remained under the radar of these policy changes as it does not have its own sector designation in educational terms. However, it was previously at risk of being impacted by the broader defunding agenda.”
The rapid review of Level 3 qualifications, initiated by the new government, brought some key developments. Laura confirmed that:
“Alternative academic and technical qualifications in cycle 1 subjects will continue to be delivered this September. However, certain RQF BTEC Nationals in smaller sizes will lose funding from July 2024.”
Laura further reassured educators that esports qualifications were granted an extension:
“The funding for BTEC Nationals in esports has been extended, allowing for additional recruitment cohorts in September 2025 and September 2026. This ensures financial support for students enrolled in two-year programmes starting in 2026.”
The long-term future of esports qualifications remains uncertain, with final decisions expected in late 2026 or early 2027. It was noted that the government’s Curriculum and Assessment Review will determine the next steps, with an interim report expected in February or March 2025.
British Esports Initiatives and Industry Developments
Head of Education at British Esports Kalam Neale highlighted the significant role British Esports plays in shaping the industry’s educational framework.
He welcomed the funding extension for esports qualifications, emphasising their alignment with the government’s focus on skills development:
“We know that esports qualifications have a huge impact in areas such as student engagement, attendance, and social mobility. Our goal is to ensure that we have up-to-date data to measure and demonstrate this impact.”
Neale encouraged institutions to contribute data on student progression, achievement, and success rates, as this information is critical for future policy discussions. In addition to advocating for esports education, British Esports has been expanding its offerings. Kalam highlighted the establishment of new pathways beyond Level 3:
“We’ve launched Level 4 and Level 5 Higher Nationals, providing a strong progression route for students who prefer a smaller, more personalised learning environment over traditional university pathways.”
British Esports has also been collaborating with industry partners such as McLaren Formula One Esports to enhance the curriculum and provide real-world learning opportunities.
National Esports Performance Campus
A major development in the esports education landscape is the British Esports National Performance Campus. Kalam provided details on its facilities:
“This state-of-the-art campus includes a central education hub, residential gaming houses, and a large esports arena. Schools, colleges, and universities can visit for day trips or overnight residential experiences, offering students hands-on exposure to professional esports environments.”
The campus will serve as a training ground for national teams and a venue for esports competitions, further cementing esports’ place in the UK’s educational and professional landscape.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, both Laura Hall and Kalam Neale emphasised the importance of continued engagement with educators. Hall reiterated that Pearson and British Esports would remain proactive in monitoring policy changes and advocating for esports qualifications:
“We are committed to keeping educators informed and ensuring esports remains a viable and well-supported qualification option.”
Neale echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for ongoing collaboration:
“Our collective efforts will ensure that esports education continues to thrive. We encourage institutions to contribute data, participate in discussions, and leverage the resources we provide.”
Key Takeaways
- Esports qualifications remain funded: Two additional recruitment cohorts have been secured, ensuring financial support through 2026.
- Policy uncertainty remains beyond 2027: Further reviews will determine the future of esports qualifications.
- British Esports continues to expand offerings: New Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications, leadership programs, and industry partnerships enhance student opportunities.
- A dedicated esports performance campus is now available: Institutions can access hands-on esports training and competition facilities.
- Data collection is crucial: Institutions are encouraged to contribute student outcome data to support continued funding and qualification recognition.
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