Schools and colleges encouraged to join Invictus Games education programme

Schools and colleges across the West Midlands are being encouraged to register their interest in a new free education programme inspired by the Invictus Games.

Project Inspire, the Schools Engagement Programme has been developed by The Education Exchange West Midlands, which is overseen by a group of professional partners consisting of CEOs and leaders from across the region, in partnership with Invictus Games Birmingham.

It is designed to help young people explore resilience, inclusion and determination through engaging curriculum resources.

Ahead of the programme launch, young people from schools across the West Midlands - Summer Hill School, Equitas Academies Trust, Cockshut Hill School and Ninestiles - attended the special ‘Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, One Year to Go’ event at the NEC. 

During the morning, the children met Captain Lee Hazard, director of Special Projects for Invictus Games Birmingham, who delivered a powerful PSHE themed assembly exploring resilience, courage and the inspirational stories behind the Invictus movement.

They also heard about his experiences in the Royal Navy and the values that underpin the Invictus Games, before taking part in a range of interactive activities including pickleball, military team challenges, emergency first aid and target shooting.

The event gave young people an opportunity to experience first-hand the teamwork opportunities that the education programme aims to bring into classrooms across the region, ahead of Birmingham hosting the Invictus Games in 2027.

Launching in September 2026, the Schools Engagement Programme, Project Inspire offers ready-to-use resources for learners from Early Years through to Sixth Form, including adapted materials for SEND settings.

Designed around the inspiring stories and values of the Invictus Games, the resources bring learning to life across a wide range of subjects including English, Mathematics, STEM, Art, Performing Arts, PE and PSHE.

Schools and colleges taking part will also have opportunities to engage with competitions, recognition awards and activities linked to the Games ahead of Birmingham hosting the international event in July 2027.

Vince Green, CEO of Summit Learning Trust and Professional Partner of The Education Exchange West Midlands, said: “The values that sit at the heart of the Invictus Games, resilience, inclusion, teamwork and courage, are values we want every child and young person to experience and understand.

“This programme provides schools and colleges with a brilliant opportunity to bring those values to life through meaningful learning across the curriculum.

“The resources have been designed by teachers, are completely free and ready to use. I would encourage schools across the region to register their interest and become part of what promises to be a truly inspiring educational legacy.”

Captain Lee Hazard said: “The Invictus Games are about far more than sport. They are about resilience, recovery, determination and finding purpose in the face of adversity.

“Through this programme we want young people to be inspired by those stories while supporting teachers with engaging, curriculum-aligned resources that can make a real difference in the classroom.”

The Schools Engagement Programme launches in early September 2026 and will remain available throughout the lead-up to the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027.

Schools, colleges and trusts can register their interest from September via the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 website.