A £900,000 scheme proposes “equal access to chess in schools.”

According to Schools Week, the scheme will be implemented in schools and colleges across nine regions of the UK to make chess more accessible for disadvantaged groups. The programme will cover between 350 and 450 schools. At least 8 percent of these will be special schools, and 3 percent will be alternative provision settings. However, leaders fear that the funding will not be sufficient.

The programme will run from June 2026 to June 2029 and may be extended until June 2030 depending on performance and funding levels.

Under the programme, chess lessons will be held at least once every two weeks during the term, with resources provided, including adaptive equipment for pupils with SEND. Pupils will also be able to participate in competitions.

The provider will be expected to agree participation targets for FSM pupils, girls, and pupils with SEND.

This initiative follows the government’s move last year to require schools to report against a number of enrichment benchmarks.

The Department for Education stated that the programme “supports primary schools with a high proportion of pupils receiving free school meals” and that “free school meals are provided to deliver chess to their pupils.”