The Gloucester Rugby Charitable Foundation and The BUSY Group announced a new initiative to help children with learning difficulties complete their education through computer games.
Scheduled to be housed at Gloucester Rugby’s High Performance Center, the school will combine learning with esports games, including FIFA and Rocket League, to develop coding, technology and numeracy skills. Other tools that will be developed include problem-solving, teamwork, communication and business awareness.
The school will accept students aged 14 to 16, providing them with an alternative pathway from mainstream education. The programs will focus on addressing weaker learning areas to ensure that students do not fall behind and are prepared for future career opportunities.
The idea for including esports into an education system reportedly came from the lack of engagement with traditional learning models amongst students.
“We’re seeing growing numbers of young people who are struggling to see a pathway forward,” said the Managing Director of BUSY Group UK & Europe, Rhys Morris, per a press release. “This provision is a direct response to that challenge, helping young people build sustainable futures and realize their potential.”
The school’s incorporation of esports comes as global interest in gaming continues to grow.
Grand View Research reports that, as of 2025, the global esports market was roughly $2.6 billion. By this year, it was projected to grow to at least $3.3 billion. By 2033, the market is expected to grow exponentially, reaching $12 billion. Its popularity as of now is centralized mostly in North America, but the market continues to expand in places such as Asian Pacific countries.
Interest has also expanded into learning institutions, particularly amongst HBCUs. In June this year, PlayVS and Urban One announced the creation of another HBCU collegiate esports competition. Titled “Power4+ HBCU Esports League,” the league was created to provide HBCU students with access to opportunities in gaming and technology while also facilitating competition and community.
Approximately 25 institutions have already enrolled to take part in the inaugural season which is set to start in February 2027. The HBCUs involved include Clark Atlanta University, Howard University, Bowie State University and Bowie State University.
“The rapid adoption we’re seeing from HBCUs across the country affirms both the cultural relevance and the economic potential of esports within our community,” said AVP of sales at Urban One, Alvord Reese, per USA Today. “Black consumers continuously drive cultural and commercial trends, and gaming is no exception.”
