The Laurus Trust ELITE Pathway provides the guidance for aspirational athletes to achieve their academic potential and sporting dreams.
Students will develop a holistic understanding of the contributing factors of elite sport, which include balancing the demands of sporting excellence and academic success. We will work with key partners who will support the creation of the invaluable experience of living, training and learning like a professional student-athlete.
Schools in the Laurus Trust already have a strong reputation for being unashamedly academic, and having uncompromising standards. Through our partnership with Loughborough University we now intend to replicate our academic success in sporting stadia.
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 member of staff in each school
- Weekly strength and conditioning sessions
- Fortnightly academic catch-up sessions
- Access through an app which will support the development of an elite athlete
- Visits to the University of Loughborough and Nuffield Health, the Manchester Institute of Health and Performance
- Group and bespoke parent and student psychology sessions
- Working with expert partners in academia, nutrition, strength & conditioning, mental health and recovery
- Specialist seminars
Benefits
- Free Online Nutritionist
Students will have access to the ELITE Pathway Nutritionist for all their bespoke meal plans. - Free Gym Access
Students will be able to use our state-of-the-art gym facilities across the Laurus Trust sites. - Designated Member of Staff
There will be a member of staff in each school dedicated to tracking the progress of our ELITE students and keeping them on track. - Academic Catch-up
Academic catch-up will be available for ELITE students who need further support. - Training and Fixtures
Support with school absence will be given for day training, events or fixtures. - Partner Discounts
Students will have access to discount codes for services offered by our partners. - Parent and Carer Support
Parents and Carers will also be supported by the ELITE Pathway and 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.
If my child is successful, will they remain on the pathway throughout their time within the Trust?
No. Parents will need to reapply each September for their 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.