Leadership in Digital Sports (Esports) at Tonbridge School

Course Description: Leadership in Digital Sports (Esports) at Tonbridge School

This two-week residential programme introduces students to the business, leadership, and innovation behind digital sports and esports—not through gaming, but through strategy, teamwork, enterprise, and real-world problem solving. Students explore how esports teams are built and managed, how events are designed and marketed, and how one of the world’s fastest-growing industries operates sustainably and responsibly.

Learning is challenge-led and highly collaborative. Students work in small, mixed groups to tackle a series of real-world tasks, developing communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills. The programme culminates in a full-day Hackathon-style challenge, where students present creative, well-reasoned solutions to global issues introduced by visiting industry professionals. By the end of the course, students earn a Level 2 qualification in Esports Leadership, supporting future academic and career pathways.

📘 What Students Will Learn

• Leadership and teamwork within digital sports & esports

• Event planning, branding, and marketing strategy

• Business operations and sustainable decision-making

• Communication, pitching, and professional presentation

• Ethical thinking and problem solving

• Collaboration across diverse teams

Students are guided to think beyond competition, focusing on social, environmental, and economic impact.

🕘 Sample Two-Week Timetable (Overview)

Morning

• 🍳 Breakfast (08:00–08:45)

• 🎯 Challenge sessions (09:00–11:00)

• Pathway challenges linked to leadership, esports management, or innovation

• ☕ Break

• 🧠 Project development & applied learning (11:30–12:30)

Midday

• 🍽️ Lunch (12:30–13:30)

Afternoon

• 🌱 Growth workshops (13:30–15:00)

• ☕ Break

• 🛠️ Skills sessions (15:30–17:30)

• Sports, creative, digital, outdoor, or business-focused activities

Evening

• 🍽️ Dinner (18:30–19:30)

• 🌙 Social & leisure programme (20:00–22:00)

• 🛏️ Room checks (22:15)

Key Programme Highlights

• 🏙️ Full-day London excursion

• 🎓 University visit (Oxford or Cambridge)

• 🏢 Business experience day

• 🤝 Networking evening with professionals

• 💡 Final full-day Hackathon challenge

🚀 Hackathon Challenge

At the heart of the programme is a full-day Hackathon, where students:

• Work in teams to solve a real-world challenge

• Apply leadership, strategy, and communication skills

• Receive mentoring from industry professionals

• Present solutions in a professional setting

This experience builds confidence, resilience, and clarity of expression.

🌱 Growth Workshops

Students choose one workshop track for the programme:

• Career & Professional Growth

• Academic & Future Learning Growth

• Social & Personal Growth

• Leadership & Communication Growth

Workshops are interactive, reflective, and skills-focused, helping students build confidence and adaptability.

🎯 Skills Sessions

Delivered through practical activities on and off campus:

• Sporting & physical pursuits

• Creative & artistic expression

• Digital innovation & technology

• Outdoor & adventure skills

• Business and enterprise experiences

Students may specialise or explore multiple areas.

🏢 Business & University Experiences

• Guided visits to Oxford or Cambridge

• Business immersion experience with professionals

• Insight into leadership, innovation, and workplace culture

• Real-world context linking learning to future careers

🗺️ Leisure, Excursions & Social Life

Excursions

• Staff-led cultural visits and landmarks

• Structured mornings with guided learning

• Independent afternoons to build confidence

Evening Activities

• Music festival

• Colour run

• Open-air cinema

• Quiz nights, discos, and social events

Optional Off-Site Activities (extra cost)

• Cinema (~£20)

• Bowling (~£20)

• Climbing or trampoline park (~£25)

• Laser quest (~£20)

🏡 Accommodation & Pastoral Care

• On-site boarding houses with dedicated pastoral teams

• Single, twin, and shared rooms (age-appropriate)

• Communal social spaces

• 24/7 supervision and support

• Safe, inclusive residential environment

🍽️ Meals & Dietary Care

• Three nutritious meals daily

• All dietary requirements catered for

• Cashless campus (card payments only)

🎓 Certification & Reporting

• Level 2 qualification in Esports Leadership

• Certificate of participation and achievement

• Personalised academic report

• Final awards ceremony

✈️ Transfers

• Gatwick Airport transfers included

• Transfer window: 09:00–17:00 on designated days

• Assistance available for alternative travel plans

What are the English level requirements? 📘

Students should have at least a B1 level on the CEFR scale or an IELTS score of 4.0 to participate effectively in the programme.

My child is 12 or younger. Can they register? 👦👧

We do not generally accept students under the age of 13. However, applications may be considered on an individual basis, depending on the student’s maturity, English proficiency, and chosen learning Pathway.

Do I need a visa or ETA? 🛂

Yes. Depending on nationality, students will require either a Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom. We will provide all supporting documents needed to assist with the application process.

Where do the students usually come from? 🌍

We welcome students from both the United Kingdom and overseas, creating a diverse and international learning environment.

Who will meet my child at the airport? ✈️

An official programme representative will meet students in the airport arrivals area immediately after luggage collection.

The representative will be:

• Wearing a clearly identifiable programme uniform

• Holding a clearly marked programme sign

For reassurance, parents will receive the representative’s full name and photograph approximately two weeks before travel.

What should I pack? 🎒

Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a full packing list around 9–10 weeks before arrival. This will outline all required and optional items, including clothing and toiletries.

What is your mobile phone policy? 📱

Students may bring mobile phones, but they must not be used during:

• Communal activities

• Challenges and growth workshops

• University and business visits

• Skills sessions

Phones may be used during free time and leisure periods. Students are encouraged to remain engaged with the programme and their peers.

Who teaches the programme? 👩‍🏫👨‍🏫

All Applied Learning Pathways and Growth Workshops are designed and led by Tonbridge educators.

Skills sessions are delivered by a combination of internal and external instructors.

How many students attend the programme? 👥

Each sprint typically includes around 50 students, representing countries from around the world.

Are there activities after the academic timetable? ⚽🎭

Yes. Students have access to a wide range of on-site and local activities, including:

• Swimming pool, gym, and sports hall facilities

• Town visits and cultural experiences

• Organised sports and group activities

These activities provide balance, wellbeing, and opportunities to socialise.

Is there a cash machine on campus? 💳

No. The campus operates on a cashless system. Students can pay for additional items using a credit card, debit card, or pre-paid card.