About Chess in Schools and Communities
Chess in Schools and Communities (CSC)
Event Organisers
The London Chess Classic is organised by Chess in Schools and Communities (CSC), a UK charity whose mission is to improve children’s educational outcomes and social development by introducing them to the game of chess. Founded in 2009, we now teach in over 300 schools and support 2,400 more nationwide. In addition to the London Chess Classic the charity also organises ChessFest, a huge free community event in Trafalgar Square. In 2023, over 15,000 attended ChessFest. For more information about this event, See chess-fest.com.
What we do
CSC delivers chess via curriculum-time lessons or through the traditional extra-curricular chess club. Children are taught by one of our trained tutors, who all have Enhanced DBS clearance, progressing from the rules of the game to foundational tactics and strategy over 30 weeks. They acquire a life-long skill, opening up an affordable and enjoyable game of limitless depth. Schools receive chess sets, teaching and learning resources and entry to school activity days at the London Chess Classic. Staff are offered free places on tutor training courses, enabling them to lead the lessons. Our programme was recognised with the Sports & Recreation Alliance Innovative Project Award.
As well as delivering tutor-led chess activities, we provide a range of support to schools, including tutor training and use of the CSC curriculum. We also run a growing network of chess clubs in libraries, youth clubs and prisons.
More information about CSC can be found at chessinschools.co.uk.