Want to Teach Chess in UK Schools?
But... How on Earth Do You Actually Do It?
Right, mate. Let me guess. You're there, staring at the board, and that little voice pipes up: "What if, instead of just playing at the club, I could actually get paid for this obsession? And maybe even get kids hooked on it too?"
Well, it's not a crazy dream. Far from it! Schools here in the UK are crying out for decent coaches to bring chess into the classroom. And no, you don't need to be the next Carlsen.
In this no-filter, tell-it-like-it-is guide, I'm breaking the code for you. I'll tell you what you actually need, how to knock on the right doors (and get them to open), and the thing everyone is dying to know: what you'll actually take home at the end of the month.
Ready to dive in? Come on, it's easier than a scholar's mate! 😉
✅ 1. What Do You ACTUALLY Need? (Spoiler: It's Not a GM Title)
Let's get this straight right from the off, so there's no confusion. No one expects you to beat Magnus Carlsen. They just care that you can teach without putting the whole class to sleep.
The shopping list for becoming a coach:
🎯 A decent playing level: You need to know the rules, some basic openings, fundamental tactics (forks, pins... you know, the cool stuff), and simple endgames. A rating of around 1500-1600 is more than respectable. The goal is for them to understand, not for you to win the tournament.
🗣️ The ability to talk to humans (especially small ones): This is the secret sauce. If you can make a boring concept sound fun, you're halfway there. If you also have the patience of a saint with the kid who confuses a queen for a pawn, you've hit the jackpot.
🎯 Adapt or die: In one class, you'll have the tiny prodigy and the kid who's only there because his parents made him. You gotta handle them all. It's chaos, but it's the best part.
📜 Bits of Paper (Handy, not always essential. But they help)
Legally you could probably wing it without, but having a certificate makes you look proper professional.
ECF (English Chess Federation) Certification: The crème de la crème. It's the calling card that makes schools go "Ooh, this one knows their stuff".
Pediatric First Aid Certificate: Schools DREAM of people with this. It means you won't freak out if a kid grazes their knee. It's a massive plus.
DBS Check (Disclosure and Barring Service): NON-NEGOTIABLE. It's the certificate that says you're not a wrong'un. Without this, they won't even let you in the building by accident. Get it sorted ASAP, often through the ECF.
🧠 DIRTY TIP: Your passion beats everything. If you're a bubbly person who can get people engaged, just start without the certificates and get qualified later. Enthusiasm is infectious.
🌟 NETWORKING ISN'T NAFF (Seriously, don't skip it): Join a local chess club, go to events, talk to people. 90% of opportunities come from a "Hey, listen, I know a school that's looking for someone like you...". Word-of-mouth is everything.
🔍 2. The Hunt: Where Do I Find These Blessed Schools?
Alright, you're pumped. But now what? Who do you bother? Here’s how to do it without looking like a spammer.
A. The Door-Kicking Method (Direct Contact)
Legal Stalking: Get on Google Maps and search "primary schools near me". Visit every single website. Look for their "PE and Sport Premium" section – that's government money given to schools for activities exactly like chess! It's your secret weapon.
The Email They Can't Ignore: None of this "To whom it may concern". Write "Dear [Headteacher's Name, you find this on the site]", show you've seen what the school is about and explain WHY chess is brilliant for their students.
Offer a FREE Taster Session: This is the genius move. "Hey, it costs you nothing, just see what you think". It's the best way to get hired. The kids will go mad for you and the head won't be able to say no.
Lots of clubs have existing links with schools but no time to run sessions. Become their "external guy" who goes in to teach. It's a win-win.
C. Social Media & The Web (Don't underestimate them)
Get on Tutorful or Superprof. State clearly that you do sessions in SCHOOLS.
LinkedIn. Yeah, I know, it's dull, but it works. Connect with headteachers and coordinators.
Search for Facebook groups like "Chess in Schools UK". Throw a post out there: "Hi everyone, I'm John, I teach chess in Leeds, looking for a school to infect with this passion!".
D. Become a Brand (It sounds flash, but it works)
Get a simple Instagram profile or a Facebook page where you show your lessons, your mini-tournaments, and explain why chess isn't just for nerds. It attracts loads of interest.
🧩 3. How to Build a Lesson That Doesn't Suck
If you teach by reading from a book, they'll throw rubbers at you. You have to make it fun.
A Sensible Plan: Start with the absolute basics. How do the pieces move? What's checkmate? Then onto tactics, one per lesson. The fork is always a crowd-pleaser.
Play, Play, Play: Do 10 mins of theory, then 20 mins of games. Run mini-tournaments, team matches, challenges. Get them competing healthily.
Cool Tools:
ChessKid.com: It's Disneyland for chess. Kids lose their minds for it.
Lichess.org: For the older ones, free and powerful.
Grab a beginner's chess book, it's full of ideas.
💰 4. Let's Talk Money (The Bit Everyone Skips To!)
Job satisfaction is one thing, but then there's the pub tab to cover. 🍻
What's the damage? You can expect to earn anywhere between £25 and £60 an hour. I know, it's a big range. It depends on:
Your experience: Obviously.
Where you are: London rates will make your eyes water (in a good way). Up North, it's a bit less but your cost of living is cheaper.
The gig: Is it a one-off workshop? A full 10-week after-school club? A proper curriculum thing? The more regular, the better the deal you can often negotiate.
How it works: You'll almost always be a freelancer. This means you invoice the school each term. GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING. A simple email saying "Okay, we agree to 10 weeks at £40/hr" is enough to avoid headaches later.
The Perks: Beyond the cash, you get those golden references. A glowing letter from a headteacher is worth its weight in gold for bagging your next job.
🔗 Useful Links & Resources (The Actual Useful Bit)
♟️ English Chess Federation (ECF): https://www.englishchess.org.uk/ - Your first port of call for everything official.
🌍 FIDE Trainers: https://trainers.fide.com/ - For if you get really serious.
📚 ChessKid: https://www.chesskid.com/ - The best teaching tool, hands down.
🏁 Conclusion: Your Move.
Becoming a school chess coach in the UK isn't some far-off fantasy. It's a proper, doable side-hustle or even a full-blown career that mixes your passion with a real purpose.
You've got the knowledge, you've got the chat. Now you just need a bit of hustle to get out there.
So... what's your next move? 👊
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