Week 1
Meet the board
Set up a board correctly, learn how the pieces move, and play capture games.
Teachers · PTAs · School clubs
A better school chess club starts with one good lesson.
Use our free six-week beginner plan, or speak to us about an online taster and structured coaching for your pupils. No advertising fees, commitment or equipment purchase required to request the plan.
Age-appropriate teaching
Clear stages from piece movement to short calculation and fair tournament play.
Parent-first communication
The school and parent/guardian remain the communication contacts. Safeguarding and school approvals must be agreed before delivery.
Online from anywhere
UK, Australia, New Zealand and Gulf-compatible scheduling, agreed in each school's local time zone.
Free teacher resource
Six-week chess club starter kit
A simple, printable sequence for beginner school clubs. Adjust the pacing to your pupils' experience and any school requirements.
Week 2
Checks and checkmates
Understand check, checkmate and stalemate; practise safe king play.
Week 3
Think before moving
Spot undefended pieces and practise a simple checks–captures–threats routine.
Week 4
Tactics that win material
Identify beginner forks, pins and double attacks in guided positions.
Week 5
Opening habits and endings
Develop pieces, protect the king and practise essential checkmate patterns.
Week 6
Friendly mini-tournament
Apply turn-taking, fair play, clocks where appropriate, and reflection after a game.
Suggested first 45-minute session
5 min welcome and rules · 10 min board and pieces · 10 min guided moves · 15 min paired practice · 5 min reflection. Keep pairs ability-matched and use teacher supervision.
Materials: one chess set per two children, an agreed adult supervisor and a simple attendance list held securely by the school.
© Knightly Chess Academy. This kit may be printed for non-commercial classroom use with attribution. It does not replace local safeguarding or school curriculum policies.
Explore a free online school taster
We can discuss a coach-led introductory session, ongoing virtual school club, teacher-support session, or tournament-preparation workshop. The exact format, capacity and date are agreed with the school; no session is booked until confirmed.
- Tell us your school, city and country.
- Share the pupils' approximate age range and experience.
- We discuss your preferred schedule, delivery setup and safeguards.
- If appropriate, agree an online taster before deciding on a longer programme.
Talk to the Knightly team
For schools, clubs, libraries, home-education groups and parent associations in the UK, Australia, NZ and the Middle East.
Email a school enquiryAsk on WhatsAppEmail opens your email application. If that does not work, write directly to hello@learnwithknightly.com. Please do not send pupil names or contact lists.
Looking for individual coaching instead? Book a parent-led free demo.