Football Academy

Overview

From September 2025, Herne Bay High School will partner with Herne Bay Football Club to deliver the post-16 academy programme.  Our Mission Statement: 

"To provide young people with the highest standard of both education and football, whilst raising the aspirations of those involved in our academy".

The Football

From a footballing perspective, we provide coaching of the highest professional standard and aim to give talented footballers the opportunity to progress in the game. Key elements of the programme: 

• Train/Play on HBFC's stadium 3G pitch
• Players are coached by UEFA A and UEFA B staff
• Play a full competitive season
• Academy has a direct link with U23's football
• Academy has a direct link with the first team at HBFC

HBFC has a well-established, growing youth section, along with a desire to develop local players. HBFC have a pathway right through the club to senior football, for those committed and talented enough to take it.

Within the academy we have many players who come from HBFC, but also players who play for various U18 sides at the weekend. Players from Faversham Town, Margate FC, Sittingbourne FC and Ramsgate FC, all play for our academy team.

We aim to help players reach their goal of securing playing contracts at semi pro and pro clubs. This is obviously something that is only for the very best players who are good enough to make that step. 

Training Kit

All students must purchase academy training kit, this is used as uniform on a day-to-day basis, as well as for training purposes. When students receive an offer of a place, further details will be issued. Kit orders are placed in early summer to ensure all items arrive ready for September. Please note that academy kit is made to order and non-refundable.

The Education

All the education is delivered at Herne Bay High School, whilst training and matches take place at Herne Bay FC. The academy is part of an outstanding sixth form, therefore academic achievements are the cornerstone of our values. We provide a learning experience which develops the individual ready for the wider world. Students can expect: 

• High achieving sixth form - one of the best in the whole county
• Wide choice of BTEC, A level and vocational courses on offer
• A full-time programme which balances football and academic study
• Support & guidance with aspirational guidance
• Dedicated Teachers with high expectations

The school is in a fantastic location, with excellent transport links:

Trains:
Margate to Herne Bay – 16 minutes
Whitstable to Herne Bay – 7 minutes
Faversham to Herne Bay – 15 minutes
Ramsgate to Herne Bay – 27 minutes

Buses:
Canterbury to Herne Bay – 31 minutes

What can I study? 

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport

Within the academy you can study a full time BTEC Level 3 programme over 2 years, equivalent to three A levels, opening the door to university. This allows you focus purely on sport science related topics such as Psychology of Sport, Sociology, Anatomy and Physiology, Coaching, Leadership, Fitness Training and Sports Business.

A Levels 

You can select any A levels you like from the courses available in the selected blocks (if you select A Levels and want to be part of the football academy, you must indicate this on your application). We have a large selection of courses, far more than most other sixth forms. A Levels such as Business, English or Science are available, for full details on the wide selection of A Level courses please click here.

Level 2 Option

You can study a Level 2 fitness/health-based course, preparing you for employment. The VTCT Level 2 Certificate in Instructing Gym-based Exercise, is a 1-year course, and is the minimum qualification needed to work in any fitness/health environment as a fitness instructor. This qualification is for anyone who enjoys gym-based training, and perhaps wants to move into personal training in the long term. 

Exit Routes

A key question all perspective students should ask themselves is ‘Where will this academy take me? What doors will it open for me in the future?’ Exit routes include:

University - Via our Level 3 courses, and depending on grades achieved, students can progress onto university in a wide range of different subjects. Remember, you also have the option to change subject when moving on to university, for example moving away from a sports pathway. It is the UCAS points at Level 3 which allow university access, not necessarily the subject specifically.

Scholarships - Scholarships in the USA are also an option when you have finished your studies. We can help players make the right informed choices and guide them through the application/trial process. We have a trusted partner, Sports Recruiting USA, who can offer a variety of different service with regards to scholarship.

Employment - Our vocational courses allow students to leave the academy and move directly into employment with the skills and experience they have acquired.

How to Apply? 

Step 1 – Application via Kent Choices

Applications are made online via Kent Choices from 21^st November to 7^th February 2025. However, should you still wish to apply for the Football Academy after this date, please complete the following online form.

You must indicate on your application that you wish to be part of the Football Academy.

Upon joining Herne Bay High Sixth Form you will be allocated a Sixth Form Mentor who will support you on your journey. Studying at Sixth Form is a significant step up from GCSE and you will be encouraged to take greater responsibility for your own organisation, focus and studies. Your key to success is to use your time wisely, become an independent learner and have a positive attitude.  

Step 2 – Football Trials

Trials will be held during the February half term at Herne Bay Football Club. Students interested in joining the academy should register for the trials by emailing footballacademy@hernebayhigh.org, if you have not already completed step 1 before the trial.  

Step 3 – Interview 

Students will attend an interview to discuss course choices and long-term career aspirations, this is to ensure they are on the correct pathway.  

Should you have any questions please contact the football academy directly on: footballacademy@hernebayhigh.org