Football is something of a ‘national treasure’ in Britain. It’s almost tribal! So it’s hardly surprising, then, that many German pupils dream of honing their skills at a British boarding school that has a specialist football academy.
Every year we help around 20 students realise this dream in the UK, and with our extensive knowledge and experience, we can support you in finding the right football boarding school for your child.
Please note: we do not offer football boarding schools in Germany.
In England, the monthly cost for a football boarding school is usually between €3,000 and €4,000.
At Britain’s leading football boarding schools, students learn to play as a team – to lose, to win, and to fight their way back. And for those who aspire to a future in other areas of the football world, expert guidance and career advice are provided. These academies welcome British and international players who through competitive practice can hone each other’s skills.
To succeed in England’s star-studded leagues, young players need professional training. This is exactly what they find at football boarding schools with first-class facilities. Expansive campuses host multiple indoor and outdoor pitches. Faced with such opportunities, it is no wonder young footballers quickly fall in love with these schools.
Top players at these schools can expect up to 14 hours of football coaching each week, led by experienced and passionate trainers, often former professionals themselves. Physiologists, nutritionists, and video analysis all add to the professional setup. Matches are played every weekend, and given the wide range of options, it is wise for families to seek expert advice before making a choice.
Examples of First-Class Football Academies in England
Buckswood School
Buckswood may well be the finest football boarding school in England. In 2019, three of its players were signed by a football club in Madrid which plays in Spain’s second division – proof of the academy’s exceptional quality.
Located near the seaside town of Hastings, Buckswood combines rigorous academics with top-level football. Facilities include a stadium, Astroturf pitch, indoor sports hall, video analysis, nutrition and physiotherapy support. The Academy Director holds a UEFA A-Licence, and each year the academy tours abroad, playing international fixtures.
Highlights at Buckswood:
- The highest level of English school football
- 8 hours of training weekly, including goalkeeper sessions
- Regular national and international competitions
- Individual player development plans
- Talent scouts for professional clubs (where appropriate)
- Fees per term: £10,700
Brook House College
Just an hour from London, Brooke House College in Leicestershire has built one of the UK’s strongest football academies. Players are coached by former Premier League professionals, and over the past decade the school has produced 15 professional footballers. With only around 250 students – many international – this is an intimate, ambitious school.
Boarding footballers benefit from:
- 2–3 hours of training each day (theory and technique)
- Coaching from ex-Premier League staff
- Regional and national tournaments
- Very short distances between school, accommodation, and training facilities
- A supportive yet challenging atmosphere
- Very small class sizes (as few as five or six students)
Ellesmere College
Set in rural Shropshire, Ellesmere College combines strong academics with an outstanding football academy. Recognised by the World Academy of Sport as one of only nine Athlete Friendly Education Centres worldwide, it is one of the UK’s top IB schools and offers pupils global university pathways.
On its 50-hectare campus, students enjoy modern pitches, training halls and fitness centres. Footballers here receive:
- Around 14 hours of coaching weekly
- High-level, structured training
- Frequent matches against regional and national teams
- Career guidance for professional pathways in football
- A warm, family boarding atmosphere
Final Word
At a football boarding school, ambitious students enjoy the best of both worlds: a demanding academic education alongside professional sports training. Graduates often go on to study at top international universities, while others move into the world of professional football.
State-of-the-art facilities, expert coaching, and the perfect balance between study and sport make English football boarding schools an exciting choice for families.
FAQ – Football Boarding Schools
How much does a football boarding school cost?
On average between €3,000 and €4,000 per month, though fees can rise to €7,000 depending on the school.
Where are football boarding schools located?
You’ll find them in countries such as England, France, and the USA. We specialise in placing students at schools in England.
What is a football boarding school?
A place where talented young football players live and study together. Academic lessons are followed by training sessions and competitive matches, often at weekends.
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How can we help you?
Julia Wilmes
Managing Director
Supporting families through these important steps in their children’s educational journey has become my heartfelt mission since founding Akademis. That is why it is especially important to me that we dedicate ourselves to every student seeking a boarding school with empathy and personal care.
