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Lasse Leponiemi

Chairman, The HundrED Foundation
first.last@hundred.org

Squid Academy

Turning young people's passion for gaming into structured, accredited learning.

Squid Academy helps schools, universities and youth organisations turn esports into structured learning. Our accredited curriculum, LMS, tournament tools and wellness programmes develop teamwork, communication, leadership, digital skills and responsible gaming. Educators receive ready-to-deliver lessons, assessments and implementation support, with no prior esports expertise required.

Overview

Information on this page is provided by the innovator and has not been evaluated by HundrED.

Updated October 2026
Created by

Squid Academy Ltd

Visit Organisation's Site
Web presence

2022

Established

9

Countries
Students upper
Target group
We want education systems to recognise that gaming can be a meaningful learning context when it is designed with clear outcomes, healthy boundaries and adult support. Our goal is for every interested young person—not only confident players—to find a role in esports that develops transferable skills and opens a pathway into further study, work or community leadership. We hope schools can offer structured esports programmes with the same confidence, safeguarding and academic purpose they expect from other modern sport and creative activities. Over time, Squid Academy aims to help build locally led ecosystems in which educators can deliver high-quality programmes, students can demonstrate measurable growth, and competition celebrates learning rather than replacing it.

About the innovation

Why did you create this innovation?

Young people already spend time in gaming and esports, but many schools lack a safe, structured way to turn that interest into learning. Existing options often separate competition from curriculum or require staff to be gaming specialists. Squid Academy was created to give educators a complete framework that connects student motivation with transferable skills, responsible gaming and visible learning outcomes. The aim is to make esports an educational pathway—supporting communication, teamwork, leadership, digital media, strategy, wellbeing and career exploration—rather than unstructured screen time or a competition-only club.

What does your innovation look like in practice?

Schools and other institutions license Squid Academy and assign learners through the purpose-built LMS. Students follow narrated, age-appropriate lessons, complete reflection activities and knowledge checks, then apply what they learn through individual or team tasks. Game Modules use titles such as Rocket League, VALORANT, League of Legends and Counter-Strike 2 as practical contexts for decision-making and teamwork. Role Stacks let students specialise in casting, journalism, social media, community engagement, team operations, coaching, wellness or portfolio development. Educators facilitate the class with ready-to-deliver materials and track progress; prior esports expertise is not required. Optional tournaments and showcases help students demonstrate learning to peers, families and school leaders.

How has it been spreading?

Squid Academy began in the United Kingdom in 2022 and now works through direct institutional relationships and regional partners. Programmes are used by schools, universities and esports centres across several countries. Growth combines school pilots, whole-institution licences, educator training and authorised partner delivery. The platform and curriculum can be localised while the core learning framework, quality standards and assessment structure remain consistent. Independent accreditation, digital delivery and a train-the-educator approach make it possible to expand without relying on a small number of specialist coaches.

How have you modified or added to your innovation?

Feedback from educators, learners and independent reviewers has shaped continuous improvements. Squid Academy has expanded from a school esports curriculum into a connected ecosystem with a dedicated LMS, tournament tools, university and training-centre pathways, educator certification, and Mind Your Game wellbeing content. Lessons have been revised for clearer language, more observable activities and stronger assessment. The curriculum has also added role-based pathways beyond gameplay and has renewed independent pedagogical quality certification through Education Alliance Finland.

If I want to try it, what should I do?

Start by booking a short demonstration at https://squid.gg. Squid Academy will discuss the learner group, timetable, available devices and desired outcomes, then recommend an appropriate programme and licence. Schools can begin with one classroom and use self-directed materials, or choose guided implementation support. After onboarding, staff receive platform access and ready-to-deliver resources, learners are enrolled, and the first structured lesson can begin. Institutions outside directly served regions can also be introduced to an authorised regional partner.

Implementation steps

Define the learning goal and delivery model
Choose the age group, timetable, staff lead, available devices and intended outcomes. Decide whether to start with one class or a wider school network, and whether staff will deliver independently or use guided support. Squid Academy then confirms the appropriate programme, licence and practical requirements.
Onboard staff and learners
Create the institution and classroom in the Squid Academy LMS, enrol the supervising educator and learners, and provide onboarding materials. The educator reviews the delivery guidance, checks access and equipment, and confirms how learner participation and progress will be monitored.
Deliver structured lessons
Run the selected lessons during class, enrichment time or an esports programme. Narrated content introduces each topic, learners pause for discussion and activities, and knowledge checks confirm understanding. Staff facilitate participation and safeguarding rather than needing to teach specialist esports content.
Apply learning and review progress
Learners apply the lesson through gameplay, team roles, media projects or wellbeing activities, depending on the pathway. Educators review LMS progress, assessment results and learner outputs, then adjust pacing or support. A tournament, presentation or showcase can make the learning visible to peers, families and school leaders.

Spread of the innovation

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