Leadership in Digital Sports (Esports)

Course description

Overview
Leadership in Digital Skills is an pioneering summer programme for students aged 13–17, combining academic challenge with real-world application. Offered in partnership with the British Esports Association, the Leadership Skills Foundation, and Fraser Esports, it is the first course of its kind to be delivered within a UK summer school, equipping students with the insight, creativity and leadership needed to succeed in the digital age.

About the course

This course introduces students to the world of digital sports and esports, not through gaming, but through leadership, innovation, and enterprise. Students learn how to build and manage esports teams, design and market events, and understand the business strategies behind one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.

In each two-week Sprint, students take on five real-world challenges linked to the Sprint’s central theme. The final challenge, the IMPACT Hackathon, brings together teams to present thoughtful and creative responses to global issues introduced by visiting industry leaders. Working in small, mixed groups drawn from across the courses, students apply the knowledge, skills and perspectives developed throughout the Sprint. Guided by the three pillars of sustainability; social, environmental and economic, they explore practical solutions with insight and imagination.

At the end of the course, students earn a Level 2 in Esports Leadership, accredited by the Leadership Skills Foundation, an externally validated qualification that supports future academic and career pathways. This course is ideal for students who want to turn their interest in digital culture into a meaningful career. It’s a unique opportunity to gain leadership experience, industry insight, and an accredited qualification all while having fun and building confidence.

The Hackathon encourages students to share their ideas with clarity and confidence, contributing meaningfully within a collaborative, real-world context.

Course Aims

IMPACT Learning Model is our bespoke framework that defines the goals of education, methods, and outcomes students are expected to achieve. Through IMPACT’S Learning Model, students will:

Improve core communication skills
Master English through immersive communication across reading, writing, listening, and speaking

Build new set of skills
Build leadership, adaptability, and strategic thinking

Learn the power of collaboration
During every lesson our students are encouraged to collaborate in diverse teams with continuous feedback that guides them through the sprint

Nurture the inner voice
Student are encouraged to strengthen their ethical reasoning, social awareness, and decision-making

Visit Universities
Explore academic pathways through university taster days and mentorship opportunities

Explore industry insights
Gain insight into innovation and leadership through industry immersion

See the bigger picture
Develop resilience and a global outlook for a changing world

Sprints Overview

A Sprint is an intensive, focused period of learning within the IMPACT programme, designed to immerse students in a series of structured academic and practical challenges. Each Sprint blends rigorous study with collaborative, team-based projects, encouraging students to think critically, solve problems creatively, and develop leadership skills.

Business experience
Business HQ and university experience with exclusive access to top institutions

Professional networking
Industry networking with professionals and changemakers

Pioneering speakers
Guest speaker talks from pioneers in their fields

Various workshops
Growth workshops across academic, personal, and leadership development

Daily challenges
Hackathons, pitching solutions to real-world problems

Range of activities
Life Skill activities such as flight school, football, graffiti and tennis

Purposeful leadership
Motivational speakers to inspire purposeful leadership