Robyn’s Esports Success Shapes Future

When Robyn Griffiths first walked into Hartlepool College to start Level 3 Esports, she arrived nervous, but with something a lot of new students don't have on day one: deep confidence in the subject itself. She'd spent years playing games she loved, from the tense horror thrills of Dead by Daylight to team-based shooters like Overwatch, and she'd found a home in an online community of young women who play video games together. That knowledge and passion turned out to be exactly the foundation she needed.

Like a lot of learners, Robyn had tried other routes before finding the right fit - she'd studied Art & Design and Hair & Makeup elsewhere, but neither course felt quite right.

Robyn was surprised at how much more the Esports course covered than she expected. Alongside gaming skills and industry knowledge, Robyn found herself studying psychology, health, and fitness, including the science behind performance. It reshaped how she saw esports as a fulfilling and potentially lucrative career path.

Her course lecturer, Ethan Jude, spoke highly of Robyn's achievements:

"Robyn is a model student with an amazing work ethic. She has submitted work early throughout the year, sometimes a week and a half ahead of deadline. I never once had to chase her. Her work was consistently high standard, she took feedback brilliantly, and she's polite, friendly and approachable. Robyn has been a real asset to the course."

The results speak for themselves: Robyn finished the course with a triple Distinction* (D*D*D*), an outstanding outcome which she says left her shocked and thrilled, even though the effort behind it was all her own. Robyn was also recognised as Student of the Year for the School of Professional and Creative Studies Awards 2026, being presented with the award at a special event in July.

She's now progressed to Teesside University to study Business and Management, and she's got her sights set on turning her passion into a business of her own. Robyn's dream is to open Hartlepool's first esports café, with the nearest equivalent currently over an hour away. She credits her time at Hartlepool College's campus with genuinely preparing her for the next step into higher education.

Our Esports facilities offer learners a brilliant chance to experience gaming at a competitive and professional level. We have a dedicated suite with exclusive use for Esports students, featuring 20 high-spec gaming PCs able to run demanding games, plus access to most platforms and services. Students also have the opportunity to plan and run an esports tournament within the college as part of their coursework.

Interested in enrolling for Digital, IT & Esports in 2026 and exploring an exciting and versatile career path? Apply now