Read School
Read School
Set in the peaceful North Yorkshire village of Drax, Read School offers something rare in UK independent boarding: a genuinely close-knit environment where every student is known by name, and a football pathway that leads into real semi-professional football. Class sizes rarely exceed twelve, staff know every player individually, and the calm, rural setting creates ideal conditions for both academic focus and athletic development. For the right footballer, this isn't just a great school, it's a credible launch pad.
Football & Education Pathway with Read School, Drax & Pontefract Collieries FC
Read School's football and education pathway is built around a formal partnership with Pontefract Collieries FC, giving players aged 16 and above direct access to semi-professional football alongside a structured academic programme. Four coached sessions per week — totalling 8 to 10 hours of football development — are delivered by Lee Kelsey, a UEFA-licensed coach who personally guides students through the transition into senior men's football. Competitive fixtures are played in the Youth Alliance League, with the strongest players progressing directly into Pontefract's senior squad: a recent graduate from this pathway was signed by Barnsley FC and featured at Anfield, in an FA Cup game against Liverpool in January 2026.
The partnership is designed for players who are serious about football but need a flexible, affordable academic base to support it. Programmes are available from a single term through to two years, with scholarships available and fees starting from the lowest in the Prestige portfolio. Whether a student's goal is a professional contract, a university place, or simply the best possible football environment for their sixth form years, Read offers a credible, personal and genuinely unique route.
- Sports & Athletics: Acres of premium pitches (football, rugby, cricket, athletics, rounders), an all-weather AstroTurf (hockey, 6-a-side, netball, tennis), and a modern indoor Sports Hall.
- STEM & Innovation: Advanced Science Labs and high-tech Computer Suites for hands-on, digital learning.
- Creative & Performing Arts: A dedicated Creative Arts Centre (Art Studio, Cookery, and Design Technology workshop) and a vibrant Performing Arts Studio.
- Campus Life & Learning: A well-resourced Library alongside welcoming, secure separate Girls' and Boys' Boarding Houses.
Where Champions Train
World-class facilities designed to develop the next generation of footballing talent.
The coaches behind the programme
Lee Kelsey
Lee Kelsey leads Read School's football programme, delivering four coached sessions per week, totalling 8–10 hours of football development — within the school's ethos of individual attention. Pontefract Collieries FC gives the strongest players direct access to senior men's football, with Lee personally guiding that transition. Youth Alliance League fixtures complement training, and his personalised approach ensures every player receives specific feedback and a development plan shaped around their strengths. His programme serves players aged 16 and above looking for a dedicated academic and football environment.
Track record
Drax, Selby, North Yorkshire (Yorkshire)
Read School sits in the market town of Drax, near Selby in North Yorkshire. The school offers a peaceful rural environment with easy access to the A1(M) and M62 motorways. Doncaster is just 15 miles away and Leeds Bradford Airport is within 30 miles, providing good connectivity for families.
Investment
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