The Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai (SISD), part of the Nord Anglia Education group, will become one of the first schools globally to offer the BTEC Level 2 qualification in Esports as part of its core curriculum. Launching in August 2025 in partnership with EStars, the programme will be available to Grade 6 and 7 students and marks a major step in aligning education with emerging career paths.
The Esports elective will sit alongside new options such as Instrumental Music in collaboration with The Juilliard School, Computer Science, Entrepreneurial Thinking and additional language studies in French, German and Spanish — all integrated into the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme.
SISD emphasised that the course is not about gameplay but about entering a fast-growing global industry projected to create over 30,000 jobs in Dubai by 2033 under the Dubai Future Foundation’s Gaming Programme. Accredited by Pearson, the BTEC will equip students with industry-relevant skills and access to professional networks across roles ranging from production and event management to marketing, broadcasting and coaching.
Paul Gardner, Head of Secondary at SISD, said the initiative reflects the school’s belief in future-focused education. “This isn’t just about gaming – it’s about digital entrepreneurship, leadership, communication and innovation,” he noted.
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EStars CEO Mags Byrne welcomed the collaboration, calling it a major step in preparing students for the global digital economy.
Despite its forward-thinking approach, SISD maintains strict boundaries around technology use. Mobile phones are locked away during the school day, laptops are restricted in public areas and every lesson begins with 10 minutes of tech-free time to promote healthy digital habits.
The school said the Esports qualification supports its mission to equip students not only with strong academics but with confidence, creativity and real-world readiness for careers that may not yet exist.
