Children who are taught to play chess in primary school develop better concentration and problem solving skills, according to a new survey of teachers by the Chess in Schools and Communities (CSC) charity.

Ninety-six per cent of teachers who took part in the study, which was carried out this summer in more than 220 state primary schools in England and Wales, agreed that their children had better problem solving abilities, while 89 per cent believed their concentration had improved as a result.

The results also revealed 99 per cent of teachers and head teachers felt their pupils had better thinking or cognitive skills.

The date comes from four online surveys carried out in the summer of 2014 by an independent researcher, and includes replies from 74 education professionals including 16 head teachers and 11 deputy head teachers as well as more than 50 parents and 70 CSC chess coaches.

The CSC charity works to improve children’s educational outcomes and foster their social development by introducing them to the game of chess in schools and inner city communities.

Schools taking part receive a weekly visit from a CSC chess tutor, chess equipment and teaching aids, training for teachers and entry to a national schools competition.

“Our survey demonstrates the impact chess can have in the classroom in improving academic attainment,” said Malcolm Pein, CSC chief executive and chess International Master.

“Chess also engenders many softer skills such as good sportsmanship and builds self-esteem while encouraging children to plan ahead and take responsibility for their actions.

“Chess is a low-cost high impact intervention and the game crosses all social, cultural and language barriers making it ideal for inner-city schools. The classroom model as opposed to the traditional after school chess club ensures girls participate with success in what has previously been considered a game for boys.” 

The results have been released ahead of the Chess and Education Conference at Olympia in Kensington on Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7.

Leading experts on chess and maths from around the world will be attending with new research into the impact of chess on maths attainment in primary education and presentations from a host of researchers from 27 countries illustrating how maths can be taught using chess

 The event is part of the 6th London Chess Classic, which runs from December 6 to 14 and will see some of the world’s greatest Grandmasters descend on the capital.