Elite Football Programme
Abbotsholme School is proud to announce its partnership with the Institute of Football Academy (IOF) as we collaborate to create the UK's most advanced education and football academy.
Launching in September 2025, this exceptional programme blends our rigorous academic curriculum with elite football coaching, offering student-athletes outstanding opportunities both in the classroom and on the pitch.
The academy offers a fully immersive learning and training experience set within our 140-acre campus. With ambitious development plans for state-of-the-art sports facilities—including a full-size 3G football pitch, FIFA-graded grass pitches, and a high-performance strength & conditioning centre—Abbotsholme School and IOF are dedicated to shaping the future of football in the UK.
Our Mission: To become the UK's No.1 independent school for football development and pathway opportunities!
The programme builds on our commitment to delivering a well-rounded, tailored education alongside elite football coaching, equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to pursue professional football careers or academic pathways worldwide. Designed for both High Performance and Development players, it offers dedicated programmes for boys and girls. Students also have the chance to earn England FA coaching and scouting qualifications, further enhancing their future prospects.
Elite Coaching & Pathways to Professional Football
In partnership with IOF Academy, our football academy offers a structured player development pathway led by UEFA-qualified coaching staff with extensive experience in professional academies and scouting networks. Our Elite Football Programme offers students a direct pathway into professional football, university-level soccer, and careers within the sports industry, all while receiving a traditional Abbotsholme education. As role models within our community, they will fully embrace school traditions, including annual hikes, house singing competitions, and lambing, immersing themselves in life at Abbotsholme as true Abbotsholmians. With football integrated into their school day, they will pursue their ambitions of becoming professional players beyond Abbotsholme.
With a team of highly experience football professionals, including former coaches and scouts from professional academies, we are committed to delivering top-tier training and development opportunities for student-athletes at the UK's leading independent school for football development.