Chess programmes for primary schools
Chess that fits your school.
Flexible and engaging chess programmes delivered Online and Live designed to help pupils build confidence, concentration and problem-solving skills.
- Flexible programmes
- Suitable for every ability
- Built around your school
Built for schools
Everything you need to bring chess into the classroom
ChessCraft makes it straightforward for schools to introduce Live and Online structured and engaging chess sessions. We work around your timetable, pupil numbers and experience level to create a programme that feels practical from day one.
Designed around your timetable
Choose a programme that works with your school day and existing classroom commitments.
Suitable for every ability
Sessions are accessible to complete beginners while still engaging pupils with chess experience.
Resources and support included
Your school receives the guidance and materials needed to support a successful programme.
What we deliver
A complete programme, not just a lesson
Each ChessCraft programme is designed to give pupils an enjoyable learning experience while making delivery simple and manageable for your school.
Live Structured chess sessions
Engaging lessons with a clear focus and purpose.
Online Programmes tailored to your school
Options based on class numbers and your timetable.
Clear progression for pupils
Lessons that help children develop over time.
Ongoing support
Guidance and resources throughout the programme.
Chess4Schools Live
How a session runs
Live, every Friday
Sessions are broadcast live. Recordings as a feature: every lesson is recorded, so a class that misses a Friday can catch up and schools build a growing library of chess lessons to revisit
30 minutes, 8 sessions a term
24 sessions across the school year — enough to build real skill without crowding the timetable.
Four ability streams
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and As Gaeilge. Teachers choose the stream that suits their class’s level.
Times that fit your day
Several runs of each stream take place across Friday, so you pick the slot that works around your timetable.
Puzzle of the Day
Every session opens with one puzzle the whole class solves together — a shared challenge that gets everyone thinking from the first minute.
Classes for every level
Four streams, one Friday, every ability covered
Beginner
For classes new to chess. Starts with the pieces and builds from the very first move.
Intermediate
For pupils who know the basics and are ready to think a few moves ahead.
Advanced
For experienced young players ready for real strategy.
As Gaeilge
For classes that want to learn and play chess through Irish, with the full session delivered As Gaeilge.
Working with your school
From first conversation to first move
We keep the process straightforward, helping your school choose the right programme and introduce chess with confidence.
Talk to our team
Tell us about your school, pupil numbers, timetable and what you would like to achieve.
Book your free taster
Give pupils the opportunity to experience a ChessCraft lesson before choosing a programme.
Choose your programme
We help you select an option that suits your class numbers, schedule and available space.
Begin the programme
Pupils start learning, playing and developing valuable skills through structured chess sessions.
We support your school throughout the programme.
Practical information
What your school needs to know
We work with your school before delivery begins to confirm the practical arrangements and ensure the programme is suitable for your environment.
Safer by design
Because Chess4Schools Live is delivered online, our coach is never physically alone with your pupils. The class stays with their own teacher throughout, in their own room, with the session led remotely.
- School procedures agreed in advance
- Clear supervision responsibilities
- Appropriate learning environment
- Named school contact for delivery
Technical requirements
We will confirm the setup required for your chosen programme before delivery.
- Reliable internet connection
- Classroom display or projector
- Suitable audio for the classroom
- Access to the agreed learning space
Learning alignment
Chess supports wider learning goals while giving pupils an enjoyable and engaging classroom activity.
- Problem-solving and logical thinking
- Concentration and decision-making
- Confidence and independent learning
- Patience, respect and social skills
Questions from schools
Everything you need before getting started
Here are some of the questions schools commonly ask when considering a ChessCraft programme.
No. Programmes can accommodate complete beginners while still engaging pupils who already understand the game.
This depends on your chosen programme. We will discuss class numbers and recommend the most suitable option for your school.
Requirements vary depending on the programme. We will confirm the complete classroom setup with your school before delivery begins.
Yes. Schools can book a free taster lesson so pupils and staff can experience ChessCraft before selecting a programme.
