Chess

Chess is a much-valued part of school life at Stanningley Primary. We are proud to be involved with Chess in Schools and Communities, a national initiative that supports the teaching of chess in schools.

We’ve been part of the programme for a number of years, and today every child in Key Stage 2 is taught how to play chess as part of the curriculum — with weekly timetabled sessions that build knowledge, skill and confidence.

Chess Club

In addition to curriculum sessions, we run a popular Chess Club open to children who want to deepen their understanding of the game. It’s a calm, focused and friendly space where pupils of all abilities can enjoy playing, learning and improving.

Whether your child is a beginner or a keen player, they’ll find a warm welcome and plenty of opportunity to progress.

ChessFest and National Tournaments

One of the highlights of our chess calendar is taking part in ChessFest in London — a national celebration of chess that brings together children from across the country.

Each year, a group of Stanningley pupils travels to the capital to:

• Receive coaching from professional chess tutors

• Play in large-scale tournaments against schools from all over the UK

• Watch champion players in action — and in some cases, even play against them!

For many of our children, it’s their first time visiting London and an unforgettable experience both in and out of competition.

We also take part in local chess events in Leeds and the wider region, allowing our children to represent the school and build their confidence through friendly competition.

The Benefits of Chess

We’ve seen first-hand the powerful impact chess can have on our pupils. Through chess, children develop:

• Patience and persistence

• Strategic thinking and planning

• Problem-solving skills

• Focus and concentration

• Respect and sportsmanship

These skills extend far beyond the chessboard and support pupils in all areas of school life.