A Level Results Day provides an important opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the eight apprentices who graduated from the football club at the end of the 2025-26 season.
As we enter a new season and academic year, we want to recognise not only the excellent successes of our graduating apprentices, but also the dedication and support provided by our education staff, who have played a significant role in helping the players achieve such positive outcomes.
As an Academy, we place a huge emphasis on developing young people and players of value. Academic achievement and personal development are key parts of that journey, and we remain committed to supporting our players both on and off the pitch. Throughout their two-year apprenticeship programme, all eight graduating apprentices demonstrated excellent commitment to their studies and personal development.
Their achievements reflect the hard work, resilience and professionalism they have shown throughout their time at the club. When joining the club as full-time apprentices at the age of 16, players undertake a demanding educational programme alongside their football commitments. This includes a Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma or A Levels, the Sporting Excellence Professional Apprenticeship and the UEFA C Coaching Qualification. In addition, players complete a comprehensive Life Skills and Personal Development Programme designed to support their overall growth and preparation for future opportunities.
Balancing a full-time football schedule alongside educational commitments is a significant challenge, making this year's achievements even more impressive. The 2025-26 cohort produced outcomes that the football club is hugely proud of:
- 88% of apprentices successfully completed the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma, equivalent to three A Levels.
- Four apprentices achieved the highest possible grade of D*D*D*.
- 50% of apprentices chose to progress onto a higher qualification, demonstrating their commitment to continued education.
- 88% of apprentices exceeded their target grades, with the remaining 12% achieving their target grade.
A special mention should go to Eddie Fox, who not only achieved the highest possible grade of D*D*D* in his Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma, but also studied two additional A Levels in History and Chemistry. Eddie achieved an A* grade in History and a B in Chemistry alongside his BTEC studies, demonstrating exceptional commitment to his academic development. His achievements are something he should be incredibly proud of and are fully deserved.
Alongside their academic success, all eight apprentices achieved a Distinction in their Sporting Excellence Professional Apprenticeship Framework. This qualification challenges players to reflect on their development as full-time footballers, evaluate their progress and demonstrate the skills and behaviours required within an elite sporting environment.
A Distinction is the highest grade available and is awarded following a rigorous assessment process. For every apprentice within the cohort to achieve this outcome highlights the high standards they set for themselves and their commitment to achieving excellence in all aspects of their development. The group also successfully completed and achieved their UEFA C Coaching Qualification, an important first step in their potential coaching journeys. Supported by the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), the apprentices planned, delivered and reviewed coaching sessions whilst developing their understanding of coaching theory and practice.
As part of the qualification, the players worked closely with Academy Foundation Phase players, providing valuable support to younger age groups while developing their own coaching skills. Their engagement, professionalism and enthusiasm throughout the programme were excellent, resulting in all players gaining the qualification. Well Done also to Nathan Aikins who has accepted his place at University, Rylie Fitzpatrick who has exciting plans to progress to University in the USA, Milan Kovaci who is back playing in Albania and Ben Westcott who has gained Professional Contract at another football club. We are proud of all of the players and their achievements.
Assistant Academy Manager and Head of Education, Ben Seymour-Shove, said: "As a football club, we place huge importance on players taking responsibility for their academic progress and committing fully to their personal development. We understand the demands that come with being part of an elite football environment and the challenges of balancing a busy football schedule alongside education, which makes these achievements even more impressive.
“We are extremely proud of this cohort and everything they have accomplished throughout their two-year apprenticeship. Their commitment to academic excellence, their willingness to embrace every aspect of the programme and their ability to manage their responsibilities have been outstanding. The players have represented themselves, their families and the football club in an extremely positive manner, and we are delighted to see their efforts reflected in such excellent results.
“We now look forward to seeing each individual continue their journey. Lucca, Patryk, Eddie and Benji will continue their development here at the football club, while Nathan, Rylie, Milan and Ben all move into exciting new opportunities. We are excited to follow their progress and will always be here to support them in the future."
The football club would also like to recognise the outstanding support provided by the staff at Nene Park Academy, who work closely with our apprentices throughout their educational journey. Their expertise, dedication and commitment have been instrumental in helping players achieve such positive outcomes. We would also like to thank League Football Education (LFE), one of the club's key educational partners, whose ongoing support and opportunities continue to have a significant impact on both the football club and our apprentices.
Education Consultant and Nene Park Academy Vice Principal, Sara Foster, said: "The relationship between the football club and Nene Park Academy has been in place since 2011 and continues to be successful because we share the same commitment to academic excellence and the holistic development of young people. Our partnership includes the delivery and support of the apprentices' educational programmes, ensuring that every player receives the guidance and opportunities needed to achieve their full potential.
“Reflecting on the achievements of this cohort, we are extremely proud of the outcomes they have achieved. Their application, commitment and attitude towards their studies over the past two years have been exceptional, and they have gained results that are thoroughly deserved. The group has been a pleasure to work with, and we look forward to following their future successes."
As we congratulate our graduating apprentices on their achievements, our focus now turns to supporting our current cohorts throughout the 2026-27 season. The football club remains fully committed to developing players as people as well as footballers, ensuring they are equipped with the skills, qualifications and experiences needed to succeed both within the game and beyond it.