Academic Pathways

Students entering Year 10 follow Ellesmere’s broad and balanced GCSE Programme of Study (Key Stage 4), progressing into a structured two‑year academic pathway. The programme includes a combination of core subjects (English, Mathematics, Science) and optional subjects chosen to reflect individual interests and strengths. The Middle School curriculum is designed to develop academic skills, confidence, and personal responsibility, supported by small tutor groups, regular progress reviews, seen by the Academy Coaches and a full pastoral structure.

Within the Ellesmere × PSG Academy UK pathway, students benefit from a timetable that integrates GCSE study with daily academy training.  The structure allows student‑athletes to make strong academic progress while accessing the high‑performance football programme throughout the week.

Ellesmere offers a Pre‑Sixth one‑year intensive programme designed specifically for international students or late joiners preparing for A‑Levels, IB, or BTEC study. Pupils typically study five to six GCSE/IGCSE subjects taught at an accelerated pace, including English Language, Mathematics, one or two Sciences, Geography, and an additional language. High‑level English speakers may also take IGCSE English Literature, building further academic breadth.

This compressed academic structure fits seamlessly alongside the football performance schedule, enabling international athletes to gain the required academic and language grounding without compromising training demands.

The Ellesmere Sixth Form offers a large selection of over 24 A Level subjects, allowing students to tailor a rigorous academic pathway aligned with university goals. Entry typically requires five GCSE passes, with higher requirements for some routes. A Levels at Ellesmere sees teaching that encourages independent thought, leadership, and intellectual curiosity.

Many A Level students’ progress to top UK universities, including Russell Group institutions, supported by strong academic results and the flexibility to combine academic study with sporting excellence. The school’s academic structure and timetable are carefully designed to allow performance‑level athletes to balance studies and training effectively.

Ellesmere delivers the Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development, equivalent to two A Levels and designed for students with a strong interest in sport performance, coaching, physical development, and sports science. The course blends theoretical study and practical application, covering topics such as sports psychology, athlete development, coaching techniques, fitness testing, and performance analysis.

Students may combine the Diploma with one additional A Level, and many progress to university study in sport‑related fields. The BTEC Sport pathway aligns naturally with the Ellesmere × PSG Academy UK football programme, offering students a vocational route that complements daily training, match play, and applied performance learning.

Ellesmere has offered the IB Diploma since 2006, recognised globally as the “gold standard” for pre‑university education. The programme provides a broad and balanced curriculum, requiring students to study six subjects (three at Higher Level, three at Standard Level), alongside the core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity & Service (CAS).

The IB at Ellesmere is designed for ambitious, internationally‑minded learners, with graduates progressing to world‑leading universities. The flexible timetable supports elite athletes, and Ellesmere’s IB cohort consistently achieves strong outcomes, with yearly results surpassing global averages.

The Ellesmere × PSG Academy UK programme is designed not only to develop players during their school years, but also to open doors to meaningful opportunities beyond the age of 18.

Whether aiming for a future in professional or semi‑professional football, pursuing US collegiate soccer scholarships, or progressing to top universities in the UK or around the world, our students benefit from a highly supportive transition framework.

We work closely with clubs, agents, talent‑ID partners, and university admissions teams to ensure each individual has a clear, personalised route to their next step. For players seeking football progression, we provide structured guidance on trials, showcase events, and extended PSG Academy pathways.

For those choosing higher education, Ellesmere’s strong academic reputation and international curriculum options help students secure places at leading universities globally. This dual‑pathway approach ensures that every student leaves Ellesmere prepared for both footballing ambition and academic success, with a wide range of future routes available.