The Sport Academies

At BCS Sports Academies, our mission is to empower the next generation of athletes to achieve excellence in sport and education. Through elite coaching, holistic development, and a commitment to balance, we prepare pupils to lead with resilience, character and purpose - on the field and far beyond it.

The BCS Sports Academies represent a cornerstone of our commitment to holistic excellence - where academic ambition and athletic prowess are equally championed. These tailored programmes are designed to recognise, cultivate, and advance the potential of young athletes within the supportive framework of an outstanding independent education.

Established in 2008, the Academies have evolved into a nationally recognised model of integrated development, underpinned by strategic partnerships with elite organisations including AFC Bournemouth, Bath Rugby, and West Hants Tennis Club. These relationships enrich the pupil experience, offering access to exceptional expertise and a clear view of professional sporting pathways.

At the heart of each Academy is a carefully constructed programme that promotes individual ownership of both athletic and academic progress. Pupils benefit from bespoke coaching across six sporting disciplines - Swimming, Football, Netball, Rowing, Rugby and Tennis - combined with personalised development plans, academic flexibility, and guidance grounded in integrity, resilience, and ambition.

Led by Head of Sports Academies, Dave Tomlinson, the programme supports over 190 athletes and continues to grow in scope and reputation. Pupils are empowered to pursue excellence in a balanced and inspiring environment, where high performance is nurtured without compromising the breadth of opportunity that defines a BCS education.

Programme Highlights

  • Academy training kit
  • Termly progress reporting
  • Strength and Conditioning sessions and assessment (in partnership with Bournemouth University)
  • Specialist performance workshops delivered by Sport BU’s High Performance Manager
  • Annual seminars on nutrition, wellbeing and injury prevention
  • Transport to fixtures and competitions
  • Breakfast provision for early training sessions

Entry Requirements 

  • Attendance at a formal trial
  • High technical and tactical proficiency
  • Demonstrated physical preparedness
  • Commitment, discipline and a positive attitude
  • Coachability and experience at a competitive or elite level

How to Join 

For more information about the Sport Academies, please contact the Head of Sports Academies, David Tomlinson.

 

Swimming AcademyFootball Academy

Netball Academy 

Rowing Academy

Rugby Academy

Tennis Academy 

Coaching Philosophy

Many of our pupils are being trained for elite success, but as a school our Sports Academies have been designed to ensure that Academy members maintain their sense of reality, of moral living, of sportsmanship and of the need to support their teammates.

BCS has a range of top coaches and support staff who have local, national and international experience in their chosen fields. The expertise that these experienced coaches and staff bring to the school has enabled our own sports and physical education department to excel, and the school teams are more successful than ever.