At Prestige Football Schools, we work with families around the world who want to set their child up for a future filled with choice—not just a shot at professional football, but a life shaped by confidence, opportunity, and education.
Choosing the right school is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. It’s not just about facilities, or training sessions—it’s about giving your child an edge that lasts far beyond the pitch.
And now, thanks to the ISC Census 2025, we’ve got the data to back it up.
This isn’t just opinion—it’s academic proof that UK boarding schools deliver outstanding outcomes, particularly for footballers who need the balance of elite sport and top-tier education.
Football and Education: You Can Have Both
It’s a common concern: Can my child chase a football dream without falling behind in school?
The answer is yes. In fact, they’re more likely to thrive in both.
The ISC Census confirms that:
- 90% of pupils in UK independent schools go on to university
- Over half attend a Top 25 UK university
- 4% gain places at Oxford or Cambridge
- 7% study abroad, with nearly half choosing the USA
This isn’t about limiting ambition—it’s about expanding it. Whether your child is targeting a Division 1 football scholarship or a business degree at Durham, the right school makes it possible.
Exam Results That Open Doors
Academic excellence isn’t a nice-to-have. For international families, it’s a non-negotiable. Your child needs options, not obstacles.
Boarding schools consistently outperform national benchmarks:
- 50% of A-level entries received A or A*
- In subjects like Maths, Chemistry, and Languages, the percentage is even higher
- For IB students, 32.6% scored over 40 points, compared to just 9.3% globally
That’s not a small advantage—it’s a serious head start. And these results are achieved alongside football, not instead of it.
The Power of Structure
Behind every success story is structure—and this is where boarding schools shine.
For young athletes, routine is everything. UK boarding schools build that structure into daily life:
- Supervised homework sessions (known as “prep”)
- Fixed training and gym slots integrated into the school day
- On-site support for nutrition, recovery, and injury prevention
- No lost time commuting—everything is on campus
That means your child can train like a footballer and study like a scholar—with a clear rhythm and support system that helps them stay focused and motivated.
Life Outside the Classroom (and Off the Pitch)
Boarding schools don’t just produce good grades—they shape great people.
The co-curricular opportunities are endless. Whether your child wants to build a business, learn an instrument, debate on global topics, or try something totally new, they’ll have the chance.
- Leadership roles in house teams or student councils
- Clubs for entrepreneurship, public speaking, coding, and Model UN
- International charity work and cultural trips
- Creative outlets like drama, photography, and media
These experiences build resilience, leadership, and communication skills—all of which matter in football and in life.
What This Means for International Families
If you’re based overseas, boarding school isn’t just a move—it’s a leap of faith. And it’s one we take seriously.
Here’s what the ISC Census 2025 tells us about the international community in UK schools:
- 61,750 non-British pupils currently attend ISC schools
- Over 25,000 of them are full boarders, living on campus while their parents remain abroad
- Students come from over 100 countries, including the UAE, Nigeria, China, the US, India, and Europe
These schools are set up to welcome international pupils:
- Specialist EAL (English as an Additional Language) support
- Dedicated international admissions and onboarding teams
- Help with visas, guardianship, and academic transition
- A truly global peer group that builds cultural understanding and lifelong friendships
Your child won’t just fit in—they’ll thrive.
Sixth Form: Where It All Comes Together
In Years 12 and 13, everything accelerates—academics, performance, decisions.
At this stage, most boarders are full-time, living a routine that mirrors that of an academy athlete. And with big exams and football trials often overlapping, it’s critical to get the balance right.
Schools offer:
- Access to on-site coaching, gym, and rehab throughout the week
- UCAS, Oxbridge, and US college application support
- Mentoring and performance tracking tailored to each pupil
- Focused time management and mindset coaching
It’s not just about getting results—it’s about preparing your child to deliver in high-pressure environments.
How Prestige Makes This Work
Choosing a school is just the start. We help families at every step—because we’ve walked this path ourselves.
Our role is to:
- Help you find the right school for your child’s goals and personality
- Guide you through admissions, interviews, and scholarship applications
- Support you with visas, finance, and international transitions
- Provide ongoing advice as your child grows, develops, and makes choices about their future
Our network spans dozens of schools, and we know which ones offer genuine football opportunities—not just pitches on a website.
Let’s Build Their Future, Together
We know it’s a big decision—but it’s also a big opportunity. With the right support, your child can have the best of both worlds: world-class football and a world-class education.
Book a free consultation with us today and let’s explore what’s possible.
