Guidance

Strengthening chess in primary schools

Explains how primary schools can apply for funding to increase access to chess for pupils.

From:
Department for Education
Published
6 October 2023

This guidance was withdrawn on

Applications are now closed.

We have informed applicants of the outcomes of their applications.

Applies to England

Eligible primary schools can claim up to £2,000 to support chess provision among their pupils. This funding will help schools to:

  • run regular chess activities as part of their enrichment offer
  • encourage those particularly underrepresented in chess to participate, for example:
    • girls
    • pupils who are eligible for free school meals
  • increase pupil participation in competitive chess opportunities

Eligibility

This grant is for educational settings that have primary provision in England with a percentage of pupils on free school meals at or over 57.5%.

If you have provision beyond primary, you must use the grant funding for primary aged pupils, although other pupils may benefit from the funding, for example, by using purchased chess sets.

What the funding is for

You can use the funding according to your school’s need. Some examples include using it to:

  • access an online weekly chess club
  • buy chess sets for the school
  • cover the cost of chess tournaments including access and entry
  • cover the cost of in-person tutors for pupils

At the end of the programme, we expect you to:

  • share learnings on best practice in encouraging chess within the school community
  • provide DfE with a case study of your experience promoting chess in school
Published 6 October 2023