​​Office: 01603 497767
 sixthformtsa@yare-edu.org.uk

Football Academy



The Thorpe Football Academy is an emerging Football and Education programme for Sixth Form students at Thorpe St Andrew School and Sixth Form now into its 4th year of running.

The programme combines an elite level of football training and a high level of education in order to provide students with the opportunity to continue their academic, football and career development.

Thorpe Football Academy – 2026/2027 Squads
At Thorpe Football Academy, we are clear about what we stand for: high-level football, delivered alongside serious academic ambition.
Students on the programme receive regular training from FA-qualified coaches with extensive experience in professional environments, combined with a challenging and competitive fixture programme, including national leagues and cup competitions. This is an environment designed to stretch players, demand commitment, and prepare them for the next stage of their development.

Since our first intake, demand for the Football Academy has grown rapidly. The programme is now very popular with places on the programme becoming competitive, reflecting both its reputation and the quality of students it attracts. Our cohorts are made up of dedicated footballers who are also hardworking, focused students, fully aligned with our Sixth Form ethos of Excellence for All. We do not believe students should have to choose between football and education — we expect them to succeed in both.

A major strength of the programme is the academic flexibility it offers. All students have full access to every academic pathway available at Thorpe St Andrew Sixth Form, including the complete range of A Levels and vocational qualifications. This makes Thorpe one of the very few football education programmes in Norfolk able to combine a full academic offer with a genuinely high-level football pathway.
The Academy has also continued to grow and evolve. Our Female Football Academy, launched in recent years, has already made a strong impact and competes with professional programmes from around the Country. With an established reputation for developing female footballers and the rapid growth of the women’s game both nationally and internationally, Thorpe provides an outstanding environment for ambitious female players to develop, compete, and progress.
Our students benefit from major facilities and opportunities that take the programme to the next level.
Our on-site gym facility supports complete athletic development, featuring high-quality cardio and strength equipment alongside individualised strength and conditioning programmes, helping students understand how to train intelligently for peak performance. In addition, the Thorpe Football Academy specialist training and match pitch provides a professional-standard surface, allowing players to train and compete in an environment that mirrors elite pathways. These facilities, alongside our grass pitches, swimming pool and annual tours to Barcelona/Florida, the players have everything they could want to have the best two years with us.

A major strength of the programme is the academic flexibility it offers. All students have full access to every academic pathway available at Thorpe St Andrew Sixth Form, including the complete range of A Levels and vocational qualifications. This makes Thorpe one of the very few football education programmes in Norfolk able to combine a full academic offer with a genuinely high-level football pathway.

The Academy has also continued to grow and evolve. Our Female Football Academy, launched in recent years, has already made a strong impact and competes with professional programmes from around the Country. With an established reputation for developing female footballers and the rapid growth of the women’s game both nationally and internationally, Thorpe provides an outstanding environment for ambitious female players to develop, compete, and progress.Our students benefit from major facilities and opportunities that take the programme to the next level.Our on-site gym facility supports complete athletic development, featuring high-quality cardio and strength equipment alongside individualised strength and conditioning programmes, helping students understand how to train intelligently for peak performance. In addition, the Thorpe Football Academy specialist training and match pitch provides a professional-standard surface, allowing players to train and compete in an environment that mirrors elite pathways. These facilities, alongside our grass pitches, swimming pool and annual tours to Barcelona/Florida, the players have everything they could want to have the best two years with us.