At BETT, the world’s largest EdTech conference, industry leaders in gaming, education, and technology gathered to explore the benefits, challenges, and future potential of gaming in education for children with SEND.  The panel was hosted by SENsational Tutors.

The Benefits of Gaming for SEND Learners

Dan Clark, founder of MindJam, kicked off the discussion by highlighting the many positives of gaming, often overshadowed by negative perceptions. He emphasised that gaming enhances intelligence, problem-solving skills and teamwork, while also fostering mindfulness, acceptance, and understanding.

Clark pointed out that many young people struggling with traditional schooling find a safe space in gaming. “Lots of the young people we work with refuse to attend school due to negative experiences. Gaming provides a space for interaction, socialisation, and even therapeutic engagement,” he explained. Teachers and caregivers can harness this potential by recognising the skills children develop through gameplay and incorporating them into educational frameworks.

Esports as a Pathway to Careers

James Fraser-Murison, Director of Fraser Esports, shared an exciting initiative: the development of the first-ever esports BTech qualification. This program integrates elements of business, creative media, and sports with gaming, preparing students for an industry valued at over $3 billion.

Ask a room full of young people if they play sports, and you’ll get some hands raised. Ask if they are gamers, and nearly every hand goes up. It makes sense to create career pathways in this booming industry,” Fraser-Murison noted. He also referenced the World Economic Forum’s insights on the growing need for skills such as problem-solving, communication, and logistics—areas where neurodivergent individuals often excel.

Overcoming Barriers in Education

Despite gaming’s potential, barriers remain. Anthony King, from SENsational Tutors, identified outdated mindsets and lack of motivation among educators as major challenges. Many school leaders still view gaming negatively, focusing solely on traditional assessments rather than innovative learning approaches.

King emphasized the importance of teacher empowerment, noting that a lack of autonomy is a key reason for high teacher turnover. “We need to support educators in bringing gaming into the classroom. When learning is personalized, engagement skyrockets. Someone even adapted Shakespeare’s Hamlet into Grand Theft Auto—and the students loved it!” he shared.

The fear of embracing gaming stems from a lack of knowledge, particularly among older educators unfamiliar with digital culture. King encouraged schools to bridge this gap through professional development and collaboration with gaming experts.

The Future of Gaming in Education

Looking ahead, Dan Clark called for broader integration of gaming into curricula. He highlighted the need for a digital skills GCSE that extends beyond coding to include animation, game design, and music creation—areas where many young gamers already excel. “Minecraft Education should be in every classroom across the country. It’s an incredible learning tool that fosters creativity and problem-solving.”

Innovative Gaming Solutions for SEND Students: NAS & UCL

The discussion also spotlighted cutting-edge gaming technologies that support SEND learners. Zaina Minhas, an Occupational Therapist at the National Autistic Society, shared insights on UCL Computer Science departments collaboration with her school to develop Superheroes, a game designed for students with high support needs. This technology enhances accessibility, promotes movement, and even encourages language development.

“One student, who rarely expressed needs or wants, played the game and excitedly requested, ‘More games, please!’—a breakthrough moment demonstrating the potential of gaming to engage and motivate learners.”

Hugo, a UCL student, introduced another groundbreaking initiative: affordable, AI-powered sensory rooms. These interactive spaces respond to voice commands and gestures, transforming into immersive environments that help children regulate emotions and engage in learning.

Embracing the Future

As gaming continues to evolve, its role in education must be fully embraced. From fostering career pathways in esports to creating safe, engaging spaces for SEND students, the potential is limitless. The panel’s key takeaway? Schools, educators, and policymakers must shift their perspectives, recognising that gaming isn’t just entertainment—it’s an educational powerhouse shaping the future of learning.