Innovation at Ibstock
Ibstock Place School’s approach to technology is rooted in a clear and future-focused vision. We prepare our pupils for a rapidly changing world by equipping them not only with technical skills, but also the creativity, confidence, and collaborative mindset to use those skills with purpose.
Our Innovation Hub, opened in 2022 as a cross-curricular, pupil-led centre for emerging technologies. Far beyond a conventional ICT lab, the Hub includes podcasting studios, green screen cinematography, VR equipment, robotics kits, 3D printing, and laser cutting—all accessible from Pre-Prep to Sixth Form. The space is led by our Director of Digital Strategy, Mrs Cartwright, whose background as both a robotics specialist and professional dancer embodies the Hub’s unique fusion of technical precision and creative expression.
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We are delighted to have received national recognition for our approach to technology: |
Esports
Ibstock's sector-leading Esports programme is led by a dedicated coach, with an inspiring Esports Arena for competitive gaming, learning and socialising.
As part of our commitment to providing innovative and inspiring opportunities for our pupils, Ibstock's Esports programme enables pupils to compete in both the British Esports Student Championships and the ISA Esports Competition in a range of games including Rocket League, Overwatch and Minecraft.
In May 2025, we hosted GAME ON: The Future of Esports in Education, a national conference that affirmed Ibstock's leadership in coaching, curriculum integration and facility development. Building on its success, we hosted GAME ON: The Rise of Esports in Education in May 2026, bringing together educators and industry professionals to explore the growing role of Esports within education.
Our teams continue to achieve success at national level. Ibstock's Rocket League team earned second place at the Bett 2025 Esports Showcase and ranked 12th out of 202 teams in the British Esports Student Championships. In the ISA Esports Competition, our pupils finished second in the UK for Rocket League and sixth in the UK for Prep Minecraft. In November, pupils will represent Ibstock at the School Esports World Championship in Malta, marking an exciting new chapter for the programme.
In line with our coeducational ethos, we actively champion greater female participation in the traditionally male-dominated Esports industry. This began with a dedicated girls Rocket League session, which we aim to develop into a pathway towards participation in our coeducational championship-level team.
We now also offer Esports Scholarships for Sixth Form pupils, making Ibstock one of the first schools in the UK to provide this opportunity. Through competitive success, inclusive participation, specialist provision and national thought leadership, Ibstock is establishing itself as one of the UK's leading schools for Esports education, helping to shape best practice and lead the way in this dynamic and rapidly growing field.
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Explore our Sixth Form
