Game, set, and match! The Roger Federers, Serena Williamses and Iga Świąteks of tomorrow don’t emerge by chance. They are shaped at some of the best tennis boarding schools in the world.
When top-level sport meets high-quality education, you find environments where young talents not only train their forehand but also prepare for life.
It’s not only about aces and backhands. The atmosphere, school partnerships, player development, and tournament planning all play a role. Some academies run classrooms right on campus, while others collaborate with nearby schools. For many young athletes, these are the very places where a professional career begins.
Tennis Boarding Schools in England
Serve in the land of Wimbledon, Great Britain is the heart of tennis! Here, boarding schools combine elite coaching with the tradition and academic excellence of British education. From performance training and match analysis to connections with leading tournaments, students enjoy an environment where sport and study complement each other perfectly.
Culford School, Suffolk
Culford is one of the UK’s top tennis schools, recognised several times by the Lawn Tennis Association. With 11 courts (including four indoors) and training camps in La Manga, Spain, its programme balances intensity with international exposure.
Bradfield College, Berkshire
At Bradfield College, everything revolves around precision and development. Technique training, video analysis, and careful tournament planning are part of everyday life. Training is intensive, especially on the three modern indoor courts, which are in constant use even in winter.
Bede’s School, East Sussex
With up to 20 hours of training a week, Bede’s runs one of the strongest tennis programmes in the country. Many students continue on to US sports scholarships. This is a school for those who are serious about their game.
Millfield School, Somerset
A powerhouse in British sport, Millfield School has produced athletes across many disciplines. Tennis enjoys equal status alongside swimming, athletics, and rugby. Ambition runs high, and coaching is tailored to individual needs.
Repton School, Derbyshire
Blending tradition with innovation, Repton boasts a long tennis history – a pupil even won Wimbledon in 1887! Today, with 20 courts and strong links to US colleges, the focus is firmly on preparing players for international careers.
Eastbourne College, East Sussex
Located near the famous grass courts of the Eastbourne International, this school offers a tightly structured tennis programme aligned with academic timetables – a prime setting for competitive players.
Ellesmere College, Shropshire
Here, tennis, fitness, and academics come together. Alongside coaching, students receive support in strength training, nutrition, and mental preparation – a holistic pathway for rising talent.
Merchiston Castle School, Scotland
Recognised by the Lawn Tennis Association as the best tennis school in the UK, Merchiston provides personalised coaching at the highest level, ideal for ambitious players aiming to make real progress.
Tennis Boarding Schools in the USA
With its strong college sports culture, the United States is a magnet for young athletes seeking tennis excellence. Boarding schools and academies here often serve as direct pipelines to scholarships or professional careers.
IMG Academy, Florida
The most famous of them all. Boasting over 50 courts and a roll call of alumni including Andre Agassi and Maria Sharapova, IMG offers unrivalled infrastructure and opportunity. Annual fees range from 55,000 to 80,000 USD.
Saviano Tennis Academy, Florida
Nick Saviano has guided more than 50 players onto the pro tour, including Grand Slam champions. His academy provides tailor-made programmes, small-group training, and expert mentorship. Annual fees start around 30,500 USD.
Saddlebrook Preparatory School, Florida
A fully integrated campus combining school, tennis, and boarding life. With structured routines and professional support, Saddlebrook is a strong preparation ground for college tennis or professional competition.
Saint Andrew’s School, Florida
This private school in Boca Raton combines excellent education with targeted athletic development. The campus has an international flair, and tennis is a core part of everyday school life. Talented players find a challenging environment here – both on and off the court.
Ross School, New York
Situated on Long Island, Ross blends creativity with competition. Small classes, a progressive curriculum, and focused tennis training make it ideal for students who want both academic and athletic challenge.
Mercersburg Academy, Pennsylvania
Set in rural Pennsylvania, this historic boarding school provides modern facilities and a focused tennis programme. The emphasis is on quality over quantity, ensuring personal development through close coaching.
Tennis Boarding Schools in Spain
Spain is a global tennis hub, thanks to its climate, year-round outdoor training, and reputation for producing champions.
Rafa Nadal Academy, Manacor (Mallorca)
Founded by Rafael Nadal himself, this academy offers 45 courts, excellent schooling, and a focus on discipline and personal growth.
Barcelona Tennis Academy, Castelldefels
Just minutes from the sea, with strong ties to the British School of Gava, the academy combines personalised coaching with an international education.
BTT Tennis Academy, Valldoreix
Known for customised programmes and famous graduates like Sloane Stephens, BTT offers proximity to major tournaments and an elite training environment.
Soto Tennis Academy, Sotogrande, Andalusia
Focused on preparing players for US college tennis or the pro tour, Soto delivers individualised training and a strong team spirit.
Valencia Tennis Academy, Valencia
Caters to all levels, with a particular emphasis on tournament travel, mental training, and academic support.
Tennis Boarding Schools: Costs and Fees
Costs vary widely depending on the country, duration, and intensity of the programme. Short holiday camps can start at around 70 EUR per week, while a full academic year at a top academy may reach 90,000 USD (approximately 79,000 EUR).
Most fees include accommodation, meals, and supervision, though extras such as private coaching, strength and conditioning, mental training, tournament travel, and medical support are often additional.
FAQ: Tennis
How old do you have to be to attend a tennis boarding school?
Most accept students from around 11 or 12 years old.
Can you attend just for the holidays?
Yes, many academies run summer camps and short-term programmes.
What language is spoken?
Usually English, though local languages are also common – many schools are highly international.
Which is the best tennis academy worldwide?
Names like IMG in Florida, the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, and Merchiston Castle in Scotland often top the list.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, many schools and academies offer scholarships based on performance or financial need.
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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.
