West Midlands schools invited to join free Invictus Games education programme

Schools and colleges across the West Midlands are being invited 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, overseen by a group of professional partners including CEOs and leaders from across the region, in partnership with Invictus Games Birmingham.

The programme aims to help young people explore themes including resilience, inclusion, teamwork and determination through engaging curriculum resources.

Ahead of its launch, pupils from schools across the region, including Summer Hill School, Equitas Academies Trust, Cockshut Hill School and Ninestiles, an Academy, took part in a special Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 One Year to Go event at the NEC.

During the event, pupils met Captain Lee Hazard MBE, Director of Special Projects for Invictus Games Birmingham, and heard about his experiences in the Royal Navy, as well as the values behind the Invictus movement.

They also took part in a range of activities, including pickleball, military team challenges, emergency first aid and target shooting.

The event gave young people a taste of the teamwork and practical experiences the education programme aims to bring into classrooms across the region ahead of Birmingham hosting the Invictus Games in 2027.

Launching in September 2026, Project Inspire has been created by teachers for teachers and will provide ready-to-use resources for learners from Early Years through to Sixth Form, including adapted materials for SEND settings.

The resources will use the stories and values of the Invictus Games to support learning across subjects including English, maths, STEM, art, performing arts, PE and PSHE.

Participating schools and colleges will also have the opportunity to take part in competitions, recognition awards and activities linked to the Games before Birmingham hosts 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 MBE MStJ KHP Royal Navy, Director of Special Projects for Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, 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 will launch in September 2026 and remain available throughout the build-up to the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027.

Schools, colleges and trusts will be able to register their interest via the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 website from September.