Sunderland UK first to launch £1m Esports schools gaming hub and it’s already improving attendance

Sunderland has become the first local authority in the country to launch an Esports gaming hub, with one headteacher confirming the project has already led to an improvement in attendance.

The £1m pioneering project has seen state-of-the-art gaming suits and IT facilities installed in 11 primary schools, with a further three set to become operational in secondary schools, creating the country's largest school-based esports programme.

The official launch took place today at Ryhope Junior School where pupils have been revelling in their new £50,000 gaming suite.

Headteacher Fiona Lynn said: “We had the gaming facility installed two weeks ago and the response from the children has been phenomenal. The new facility has helped create an environment which engages children.

“At the moment, we are using it for curriculum enrichment, with an incentive for good behaviour and 100% attendance each week in order for pupils to use it.

“We’ve already seen an increase in attendance in students who weren’t regular attenders. The plan is to set up a network of teams with the city’s other Esports schools with a final taking place at the Esports arena.

“We’re going to incorporate Esports into our IT curriculum as well as promoting the different career pathways.”

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.

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 they also boost attendance and engagement.

“It’s obviously early stages, but we’re already starting to see the Esports programme having a positive impact on improving attendance at chosen schools.

“This is an initiative which can enhance and enrich the curriculum as well as developing those wider transferable skills of teamwork, communication, leadership, and problem solving.

“We’re also hoping to have the first Esports primary league with our 11 schools taking part.”

City Council leader, Cllr Chris Eynon, was also at the launch event.

He said: “Esports is one of the fastest growing industries in the world and it’s good to see as a council we are ahead of the game. It’s not just about playing games, it’s about transferable skills, such as computer programming and creative arts. It’s also about inspiring young people into aspirational career paths.”

The programme is being delivered in partnership with British Esports, which recently opened the British Arena in the city part of its Sunderland National Esports Performance Campus.

Senior Vice President Dave Martin said: “We’re excited and honoured to be working with these primary schools. Esports is a really useful tool to engage young minds, educate them, and take them on a journey of career of engagement in Esports.

“It’s also an opportunity that allows children to engage in something they’re already passionate about.”

The new facility certainly seems to have captured the imagination of the children.

Logan Fletcher, 10, said: “I really look forward to coming to school to use the gaming suite. I’d like to be a professional gamer.”

Evie Fletcher, 11, said: “I don’t really do much gaming at home, but I’ve really enjoyed playing against my friends.”

Connor Magill, 9, added: “A lot of my friends now want to join my school.”