has signed an exclusive agreement to become the first UK secondary school affiliated to , a division of the famous Williams Racing F1 team.
The Surrey-based group, which runs three schools in Cobham, Egham and Hillingdon, UK, says the link will 鈥渂oost its digital learning offering to ensure that its students are prepared for the fast-changing world of work鈥.
As part of the move, ACS has bought six full-sized gaming rigs 鈥 which simulate Formula 1 racing 鈥 which are available to ACS students across its campuses at Cobham and Egham.
The group says it 鈥渁ims to enhance its curriculum by using the influence of esports to bridge the gap between entertainment and education and to help students develop a wide range of skills alongside technical skills in game design, such as communication, teamwork, leadership and critical thinking鈥.
ACS International Schools鈥 chief executive, Tim Cagney, said: 鈥淭hrough this one-of-a-kind affiliation, we want to be an example for other schools and help achieve positive outcomes for students by continuing our investment in future technology.鈥
The introduction of the Williams Esports gaming rigs adds to a number of existing programmes aimed at improving students鈥 technological abilities and offering insight into new career paths for students.
ACS International School Cobham鈥檚 head of school, Robert Crowther added: 鈥淭his affiliation with Williams Esports is a transformative step for our students. By combining education with cutting-edge technology, we鈥檙e not just honing a passion for gaming 鈥 we鈥檙e preparing students for emerging careers in digital media, game design, and technology-driven industries.鈥
Steven English, director of esports at Williams, said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e delighted to formalise this affiliation with ACS International Schools. At Williams, we strive to democratise Formula 1 and make it as accessible as possible to as many people as possible.
鈥淭he racing simulators provide incredible experiential value for people to really feel the sport, but much more than that they can be tools to support development, coaching and education, as well as enhancing a wide range of key personal and professional skills. We鈥檙e excited to collaborate with ACS International Schools to bring this to life across the student base and wider communities.鈥
