Primary schools will be handed grants of up to £2,000 to buy chess sets and access training and teaching materials for the game, the government has announced, but less than 1 per cent of settings will benefit.
The measure is part of a £1 million scheme aimed at inspiring the “next generation of chess players, bringing chess to a wider audience, whilst supporting the development of elite players”.
The plans were trailed earlier this month. Half of the funding will go to the English Chess Federation (ECF) to develop future chess talent, and there is also £250,000 to put chess sets in 100 public parks and outdoor spaces.
The Department for Education will also hand out grants of up to £2,000 “to encourage more primary school children, particularly girls, to learn to play the game”.
