Marcus Rashford’s trailblazing use of social media is to be studied by pupils as part of their GCSE media studies course.

The Manchester United and England baller has changed the game by using his voice on his social platform in recent years, which helped influence government u-turns on free school meals, tackled racist abuse and helped improve disadvantaged children’s reading.

Pupils studying AQA media studies from next September will be able to learn about Rashford’s online presence and his communications via social media platforms and how he influenced and successfully engaged his followers. They will also learn more about the social and race issues he cares about and how his use of social media has been key to spreading his message and influencing societal debate.

The move is part of a wider effort by exam boards to diversify their qualifications to make them more relevant and resonant to kids in education today.

Sandra Allan, the head of AQA’s creative arts curriculum, said: “Marcus Rashford is one of the most influential and inspirational young people in the UK, so students can learn a huge amount from how he uses social media to make a real impact,” said Allan.

“It’s not just an opportunity for them to learn about social media – it’s also a great way to learn about important social and race issues as part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in the curriculum.”