BTEC Esports qualifications | Pearson qualifications

October 2025 Esports update

Wed Oct 08 23:00:00 UTC 2025

Welcome to the October 2025 update!

In this month's update, catch up on the recent webinar hosted by Pearson in collaboration with British Esports and the Williams Sim team. This was the first one hosted, in a series of events - so watch this space.

Additionally, this update introduces BTEC support for our international colleagues in eSports for the first time. We extend a warm welcome to all.

 

Read more

Key dates

Date Event
13th November

Introduction to teaching the International BTEC Level 3 in Esports

New to delivering the BTEC International Level 3 in Esports? This online session is suitable for Program Managers, Internal Verifiers, Assessors, Tutors, Heads of Department, Quality Nominees, Centre Managers, working in centres offering the BTEC International Level 2 qualification who are either new to delivering this qualification or those who would like to refresh their knowledge. 


Latest news

If you were unable to attend the recent webinar "Exploring Careers & Simulation Racing," hosted by Pearson in partnership with British eSports and the Williams Sim Racing Team - catch up here.

This event was broadcast live to students across UK centres, offering valuable insights into potential career pathways stemming from their dedication to the qualification.

We had the fabulous Jac Cowie and James Yexley, Esports alumni, now working with the Williams Sim team, sharing their experiences of how an education in Esports propelled them to their dream jobs.

 

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Pearson are looking to recruit International Standards Verifiers in BTEC eSPORT. If you are interested in finding out more or apply for this role visit our website.

Both UK and International applicants can apply.

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The latest information page from the JCQ includes

  • guidance for teachers on malpractice
  • presentations for teachers and learners
  • an information sheet for teachers
  • a poster for learners

BTEC Nationals Support & Guidance

This market research report forecasts developments in the esports industry up to 2034.

It covers specification content for Unit 1:

  • A3 - organisation of esports in idfferent countries
  • A4 - the key players in esports (global companies)
  • B3 - market segmentation (genres of esports games)
  • B3 - market drivers (demographics of esports players - age)
  • B3 - regional analysis (demographics of esports players - country/region)

A3 Organisation and classification of esports in different countries

• Classification of esports in different countries.
• National bodies or organisations in different countries.
• Countries to investigate, e.g. USA, China, South Korea, Poland, Denmark, Australia,
Japan, Sweden, Germany, Singapore.

This site might be a useful page for learners to research.

Esports Around The World

Esports in China

Leading esports countries


A4 Global organisations and bodies involved in esports

• Games publishers, e.g. Epic Games, Electronic Arts, Activision Blizzard,
Riot Games.
• Global companies, e.g. Twitch®, Tencent®, Microsoft®, Sony®, Google®, Amazon®,
ESL, FACEIT.
• Global bodies, e.g. International Olympic Committee (IOC), Esports Integrity Coalition (ESIC), Global Esports Federation (GEF), World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Market key players

Epic Games

Activision Blizzard

Electronic Arts

Tencent

The 'Working in Esports' part of the British Esports website provides an excellent resource for Unit 1 Learning Aim C Explore career pathways and associated routes in esports.

Please scroll down the page linked to below to find a map  with details of schools and colleges delivering esports.

For help with:

  • delivery 
  • the Esports learner and teacher

For help with:

  • assessment 
  • grade statistics

BTEC International Support & Guidance

An official welcome to our International teachers who are delivering the International BTEC Esports qualification all over the world.

We have a variety of pages devoted to keeping you updated with the specifications, teaching resources, sample assignment materials as well as all authorised assignment briefs and Pearson Set Assignments.

 

I am frequently being asked about plans to reform our esports qualifications and we are waiting for the outcome of the Curriculum and Assessment Review whose final report is due in the autumn.

We have a variety of pages devoted to keeping you informed about the reforms.


The interim report of the Curriculum and Assessment Review was published in March and seemed to acknowledge that "a significant proportion of young people require a mix of qualifications, or cannot access A levels or T Levels, or have not yet decided on career plans."


Level 2

Our Level 2 Esports qualifications have been extended for delivery in England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

The last registration date is 31 July 2027.
The last certification date is 31 July 2029.


Level 3

funding

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The National Esports Performance Campus (NEPC) is a multi-site entertainment and education complex located in Sunderland.

NEPC is the home of British Esports and provides access to state-of-the-art equipment, training, and investment.  The facility offers luxury accommodation for esports bootcamps, providing a comfortable and focused environment for players.  The campus boasts cutting-edge technology, including a 100-seater esports arena, training rooms, and broadcast facilities.

Multi factor authentication was rolled out to nearly a quarter of a million Pearson Portal users last year. Although it has now become a standard way of accessing our systems, it can sometimes present challenges if a smart device is lost or replaced.

You can read more information, see a quick start guide and access FAQs and troubleshooting for our authenticator app in our Pearson Portal Authenticator support article.

Based on feedback received this graphic was created to answer some common questions.

MFA graphic

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You can read more information, see a quick start guide and access FAQs and troubleshooting for our authenticator app in our Pearson Portal Authenticator support article.


Subject advisor

Sarah Mark

BTEC Business, Enterprise, Marketing, Esports

Phone :
+44 (0) 344 463 2535 (Teaching Services team | Mon-Fri, 8am - 5pm GMT)
Colin Leith, Business Subject Advisor
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