Yes. Education is one of the four parts of the Premier League’s Elite Player Performance Plan, and apprentices aged 16 to 19 on a full-time scholarship agreement follow formal education programmes while their academic progress is monitored.
Where education sits in the academy system
The Elite Player Performance Plan began in 2012 with the aim of producing more and better homegrown players.
Here are the four functions of the plan.
| Function | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Games programme | The matches academy players play |
| Education | Formal education and academic progression |
| Coaching | Coaching of academy players |
| Elite player performance | Player development and performance |
How education works in practice
The Premier League runs its own education department. Its programme supports the technical, tactical, physical, mental, lifestyle and welfare development of all academy players.
For apprentices aged 16 to 19 who have signed a full-time scholarship agreement at a Premier League club, the League handles the formal education programme. The department also oversees full-time, hybrid and part-time training models so academic progression is maintained.
Who checks quality and tracks progress
Education support managers monitor how the apprenticeship programme is delivered and how well it is run. They also monitor the educational side of the full-time and school-release training models.
A learning management system developed and maintained by the League allows each club to record the educational progression and attainment of its academy players.
Every Premier League club has a full-time head of safeguarding and an academy safeguarding officer.
Inspection grades for the education programme
These are the inspection ratings received by the education programme.
| Year | Rating |
|---|---|
| 2010 | Outstanding |
| 2017 | Outstanding |
| 2023 | Outstanding |
FAQ
What is the Elite Player Performance Plan?
It is the Premier League framework introduced in 2012 to produce more and better homegrown players. Its four functions are the games programme, education, coaching and elite player performance.
At what age do Premier League scholarships start?
The apprenticeship stage runs from 16 to 19. Players in that age group on a full-time scholarship agreement are placed on the formal education programme.
Do academy players still continue with school-based study?
Yes. Formal education and academic progression are built into the plan, and the school-release training model is also monitored on the education side.
Is the education department only about classroom work?
No. Its programme also supports technical, tactical, physical, mental, lifestyle and welfare development for academy players.