The ELITE Pathway is the Laurus Trust’s flagship sporting excellence programme, designed to support talented student-athletes in achieving success both on and off the field.
Students will develop a holistic understanding of the factors that contribute to success in elite sport, including balancing the demands of sporting excellence and academic achievement. Through specialist support, performance opportunities and partnerships with leading organisations, including Loughborough University, students gain invaluable insight into what it takes to live, learn and train like a professional student-athlete.
At the Laurus Trust, we believe excellence is about more than just performance. The ELITE Pathway helps students pursue their sporting ambitions without compromising their academic aspirations, developing confident, resilient and ambitious young people who are prepared for success in sport, education and life beyond school.
In Partnership with Loughborough University
The Laurus Trust is the first ever educational trust to be partnered with the world-renowned Loughborough University.
Loughborough is one of the country’s leading universities with unrivalled achievements in sport, an international reputation for research, excellence in teaching and strong links with industry.
As a 5* QS rated university, Loughborough has been named the best university in the world for sports-related subjects in the world university rankings. In addition to the work with our student-athletes, Laurus Trust GCSE and A Level students will have the opportunity to access Loughborough University’s state-of-the-art facilities.
ELITE at Sixth Form
Watch the video below to see what is on offer if you gain a place on the ELITE Pathway at one of our Laurus Trust Sixth Forms.
Course Overview
- Dedicated Pathway Mentor in every school
- Weekly strength and conditioning sessions
- Fortnightly academic catch-up sessions
- Access to a dedicated app supporting athletic development
- Visits to Loughborough University, Nuffield Health and the Manchester Institute of Health and Performance
- Group and 1-to-1 psychology sessions for students and parents/carers
- Expert support across nutrition, strength & conditioning, recovery, mental health and academia
- Specialist seminars and workshops
Benefits
- Nutrition Support
Bespoke nutritional guidance, seminars and 1-to-1 support to help students fuel performance and get the most from their training. - Strength & Conditioning
Access to specialist strength and conditioning provision designed to enhance athletic performance and reduce injury risk. - Dedicated Pathway Mentor
A designated member of staff in every school providing ongoing guidance and monitoring throughout the programme. - Academic Support
Targeted catch-up and intervention sessions to help students balance sporting commitments with academic success. - Training & Competitions
Support for training, fixtures, competitions and other performance opportunities throughout the academic year. - Performance Psychology
Work with specialist performance psychologists through seminars and workshops designed to develop confidence, resilience and mindset. - Trips & Visits
Exclusive experiences, including visits to leading universities, sports organisations and high-performance environments. - Partner Benefits
Access to exclusive discounts, offers and opportunities through our trusted pathway partners. - Parent & Carer Support
Guidance, information and support for families from the ELITE Pathway and our external partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sports are eligible for the pathway?
The application for entry onto the ELITE Pathway is open to all students, regardless of the sport they play.
Any sport will be considered, from more traditional sports such as Athletics, Swimming, Football, Rugby, Netball, Dancing, Lacrosse and Cricket, to less traditional sports such as Skiing, BMX Biking, Karate, Judo, Kickboxing, Climbing, Table Tennis, Weight Lifting, Cheerleading and Ice Skating.
What level of sport does my child need to be playing at to apply?
As each sport has different pathways for progression, we look for students playing at a regional, national or international level. We acknowledge that each sport is different, so each application will be taken at merit. Students must also be dedicating a significant amount of time outside school to training and competing.
Examples:
- Cricket: Lancashire / Cheshire County
- Netball: Manchester Thunder Performance Pathway or a leading regional club
- Tennis: A high LTA rating
- Rugby: Sale Sharks / Salford Red Devils
- Swimming: National team or a leading regional club
Playing at any of these levels is not a guaranteed entry onto the ELITE Pathway – a number of other factors, such as attendance, behaviour, volume and standard of applications received, are also taken into consideration. Each application will be given full consideration on its own individual merit as places are limited.
All eligibility criteria are stated above, we regret that we are unable to respond to individual emails enquiring about eligibility. If your child meets the criteria as outlined above, we would encourage you to make an application, however this alone will not guarantee entry onto the ELITE Pathway. If you are unsure, it may be worth talking to your child’s PE teacher who can advise you on whether the pathway would be suitable for them.
How do I apply?
The application window for the ELITE Pathway opens in early September each year. When applications are open, the form will be available on our website. Please note: Applications for 2026/27 have now closed.
If my child is successful, will they remain on the pathway throughout their time within the Trust?
No. You will need to reapply each September for your child’s place on the ELITE Pathway. Circumstances can change – your child may no longer take part in the sport, the pathway may no longer be suitable, or your child may choose not to continue.
If my child is unsuccessful, will they have an opportunity to reapply?
Yes. Each September, the application process reopens for all students, including those who have previously been on the pathway. We recognise that young people develop at different rates and we will continue to assess all Laurus Trust students in sport.
When will I hear if the application was successful?
You will hear if your child has been successful roughly two weeks after the application window has closed. A decision letter will be sent out shortly after to confirm your child’s place.
Is there a fee to gain a place on the pathway?
No. This initiative is fully supported and funded by AL Elevation.
How many places are available?
Numbers will vary each year – there is no maximum or minimum.
How does the ELITE Pathway work alongside schoolwork?
The ELITE Pathway is designed for students who dedicate a significant amount of time outside school to training and competing. Although there are several trips each academic year, including visits to Loughborough University and the Manchester Institute of Health & Performance (MIHP), only a small amount of lesson time is affected.
Strength & Conditioning sessions are available before school on selected days each week. Students will also have access to fortnightly academic catch-up sessions and a dedicated ELITE Pathway member of staff in each school.