British Esports, the national body set up to support grassroots esports in the UK, has appointed a leading esports education figure as its new Head of Education.
Kalam Neale was recently awarded the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Award for his outstanding commitment to digital innovation.
He has previously served as Esports Programme Lead at Barnsley College, where he co-wrote the Esports BTEC in association with Pearson and British Esports, as well as being one of the first to offer the qualification to students.
Kalam also serves as Director of Education at Strategic Esports Group, trainer & podcast host at Pearson and was a North America Scholistic Esports Dederation (NASEF) fellow for the 2021-2022 academic year.
“I’m delighted to be joining British Esports as Head of Education,” said Kalam.
“I’m extremely grateful for the vision and innovation that Barnsley College has shown over the last three years in supporting the development of internationally recognised esports programmes and facilities during my time as Curriculum Leader.”
“Having led an Ofsted deep dive into esports, in a brand-new curriculum area, under a new framework and being judged as an Outstanding provider alongside my work for Pearson and Strategic Esports Group, I look forward to making a significant impact in the continued growth and development of esports education at British Esports in the UK and beyond.”
Kalam will start his role at British Esports from August 2022 and will be focused on delivering growth and development of esports education throughout the UK and beyond.
“Education is the cornerstone of what we do at British Esports and we’re thrilled to bring on board someone of Kalam’s stature within the esports education space.” said Chester King, CEO, British Esports.
“His knowledge and understanding of esports education will only serve to strengthen our offer to educational institutions, but more importantly, students in this space, both in the present, and future.”
Kalam replaces Tom Dore, who will continue in his role as Head of the Education Group for the Global Esports Federation and will support the launch of the Global Esports Academy, alongside Gary Tibbett. Both will continue in an advisory capacity for British Esports.