Majority of UK Students Support Introduction of Esports in School Curriculum

A recent study has found that 75% of students in the UK are in favor of incorporating esports into their school curriculum, with a significant 64% already participating in esports-related academic pursuits. The research, conducted by Censuswide in partnership with Tencent, the British Esports Federation, and Ukie, surveyed 2,000 individuals aged 16-27 who are interested in the creative and entertainment industries. The results show that 40% of respondents are considering careers in video game-related fields, with 58% believing that esports offers a more accessible career path than law or engineering. Although 16 UK higher education institutions currently offer esports-related degree programs, 36% of respondents cited financial barriers as a hindrance to pursuing further education, while 33% expressed uncertainty about career pathways. According to Tom Dore, VP of the British Esports Federation, 'including esports in educational curricula is essential for equipping young people with the necessary skills for careers in esports, gaming, and related digital, creative, and STEM sectors.' Additionally, Ukie CEO Nick Poole emphasized the importance of esports in shaping the future of work and creativity, stating that 'the UK is well-positioned for growth in this sector, but we must continue to invest in education, infrastructure, and cross-industry collaboration to build on this momentum.'