Chess programme transforms learning at Monsignor Colin Bryan Prep

Thanks to the vision of Troy Leachman, founder of King’s Knight Chess Academy, every student from kindergarten to Grade Six now learns chess as a mandatory subject, right alongside Mathematics and English.

The programme began modestly about six years ago as a small club. “We started with just a few kids,” Leachman recalled. “The parents saw the benefit of chess; they saw the impact that it was having on the students. Then the PTA [Parent-Teachers’ Association] body spoke with the school and the decision was taken by the school’s administration to add chess to the curriculum.” 

That decision transformed the school’s approach to learning. What was once an extracurricular activity became an integral classroom subject, with each class receiving a dedicated 30-minute chess session weekly.

For Leachman, who discovered chess in high school at the suggestion of his maths teacher as a way to improve his own grades, the mission has always been about more than just winning games.

“The aim of King’s Knight Chess Academy is to improve academic performance through the skills chess develops — planning, reasoning, focus, and memory,” he explained. “These are skills that transfer to every subject and to life in general.”

The programme officially became part of the curriculum in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic forced schools to close. But rather than stall, Leachman quickly adapted by using online platforms like Lichess and ChessKid to continue teaching. “One of the great things about chess is that you don’t necessarily need a physical board… the students could log on, play, and learn even from home,” he said.

Over the years, Monsignor Colin Bryan Prep has made its mark on the local chess scene. The school captured the ‘Best New School Award’ at the Scholastic Chess Championships in 2021 and later earned the ‘Top School Prize’ at the Grade Chess Rapids Tournament in Linstead in 2024. Many of Leachman’s young players have gone on to represent their high schools in national competitions, carrying their passion and discipline with them.

Yet, for Leachman, the proudest moments are often found off the podium. “I remember a student told me, ‘Sir, I love chess. It’s fun, and it helps me think better’. That meant everything to me, I even captured a video of her saying that,” he shared. “Or when I see students pausing during a match to predict what might happen next — that’s growth. It’s them learning to think ahead, not just in chess but in life.”

While the students have embraced chess wholeheartedly, Leachman admits that one of the challenges has been engaging parents who are unfamiliar with the game. “Not many parents know how to play, so assignments are sent home, they can be tricky,” he said. “Some parents think of chess as just a game for smart kids while some don't necessarily want to put in the effort into figuring it out. But once they understand it, they realize it’s a learning tool for everyone.”

To bridge that gap, he even hosted free chess classes for parents, introducing them to the basics of the game. The response was so positive that many became advocates for keeping chess on the school’s curriculum — even during the pandemic when other activities were paused.

One parent who has witnessed the impact of the programme firsthand is Flovia Riley, whose son has been part of the chess classes since he was five years old. Riley said she initially saw chess as a simple way to limit screen time but soon realized how deeply it was shaping her child’s development.

“I just wanted something to get him off the electronic devices, but I didn’t know that it would have benefited him so much,” she said. “Discipline is number one. My son developed a lot of good traits for future use because of chess. It also teaches him time management, problem solving, accountability, and how to focus. In class, he analyzes and gets concepts quickly now. And Mr. Leachman is a very good influence. I love how he interacts with the kids.”

Today, King Knights Chess Academy works with five to six schools across Old Harbour, and Leachman’s goal is to reach even more. “There are so many schools that can benefit from chess, it’s not just about creating good chess players — it’s about developing better thinkers,” he said.

With the pieces set and his students already strategizing their next moves, Leachman continues to prove that in education, as in chess, foresight and patience can lead to powerful victories — one thoughtful move at a time.