Summer Programme Applied Learning Pathways Leadership in Digital Sports

Leadership in Digital Sports

Leadership in digital sports enables students to develop their qualities as a leader by engaging in structured challenges focused on the world of esports. The acquisition of leadership capabilities is complemented by an understanding of responsibility and the development of teamwork skills and personal confidence.

Pathway: Business

Minimum English level: B1 / IELTS 4.0

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Location

Tonbridge School, Kent, England

Dates

SPRINT 1

6 July - 19 July 2026

SPRINT 2

20 July - 2 August 2026

Students

Boys and Girls aged 13-17 years

Fees

£5495 for 2-week residential sprint

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. 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 programme, equipping students with the insight, creativity and leadership needed to succeed in the digital age.

Learning is structured into a series of challenges, which each guide students through six phases, moving from identifying a leadership problem to planning, developing and presenting a solution. This process has been designed to mirror real‑world professional practice and encourage inquiry, collaboration, and critical thinking. Tutors act as facilitators, supporting students through the set tasks while guiding their acquisition of leadership behaviours, their application of structured frameworks and their evaluation of impact.

Esports Leadership helps learners acquire a powerful blend of academic and interpersonal skills. As well as being able to articulate what leadership is, they will apply this theory in practical contexts and evaluate outcomes using structured methods. Students will receive certification recognising their achievement across leadership Challenges aligned with the Leadership Skills Foundation Level 2 Qualification in Leadership Skills.

Download example challenge

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

Students strengthen communication by giving instructions, leading discussions, and presenting reflections.

Learn the power of collaboration

Collaboration, adaptability, and confidence grow through teamwork and leadership roles.

Build a new set of skills

Organisation and problem‑solving skills are developed through structured planning and real‑time decision‑making.

Nurture the inner voice

Self‑awareness and reflective thinking are encouraged through self-evaluation of leadership performance and its impact on others.

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

Through guided mentorship, reflective practice, and real-world application, Sprints provide a dynamic environment in which students can explore ideas, build confidence, and make tangible progress in their personal and intellectual development.

Mentoring & Reflection

Experience real-world innovation and thought leadership while studying.

Developed by Tonbridge School’s staff, each challenge provides personalised mentorship, constructive peer feedback, and reflective coaching, equipping students to develop with confidence and purpose.

Beyond the Classroom

Make unforgettable memories inside and outside the classroom.

From sports and creative workshops to team challenges, cultural excursions, and social events, there’s always something to enjoy. Evenings and weekends offer a balance of relaxation and adventure, giving students the chance to connect and create lasting memories within a vibrant community.