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.

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📘 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.

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🕘 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

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🚀 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.

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🌱 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.

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🎯 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.

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🏢 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

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🗺️ 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)

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🏡 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

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🍽️ Meals & Dietary Care

• Three nutritious meals daily

• All dietary requirements catered for

• Cashless campus (card payments only)

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🎓 Certification & Reporting

• Level 2 qualification in Esports Leadership

• Certificate of participation and achievement

• Personalised academic report

• Final awards ceremony

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✈️ Transfers

• Gatwick Airport transfers included

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

• Assistance available for alternative travel plans

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Where do the students usually come from? 🌍

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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How many students attend the programme? 👥

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

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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.

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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.