For those players currently in Year 11, there is an open evening at the school on Wednesday 20th November, 5:30-7:30, giving you an opportunity to discuss courses, chat about football and see the school’s facilities. Applications can be made from 21st November, for those wanting to start in September 2025. Applications must be made via Kent Choices and trials will happen at HBFC in February.

September 2024 saw the launch of the HBFC Post-16 Academy. This is an exciting opportunity for the football club and local community.

Unlike many post-16 academies, the HBFC Academy is set up with a trusted, well established, and high achieving sixth form. All the education is delivered at Herne Bay High School, whilst training and matches take place at HBFC. The school provides a fantastic learning experience with a wide choice of BTEC, A level and vocational courses on offer. All courses are considered full-time programmes, which balance football and academic study. The academy can cater for the most academically gifted students, as well as those students who are not so academically minded. A breakdown of what students can study:

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport

Within the academy you can study a full time BTEC Level 3 programme over 2 years, equivalent to three A levels, opening the door to university. This allows you to focus purely on sport science related topics such as Psychology of Sport, Sociology, Anatomy and Physiology, Coaching, Leadership, Fitness Training and Sports Business. As well as progression to university, this course also opens the door to scholarships in the US.

A Levels

You can select any three A levels you like from the courses available in the selected blocks (if you select A Levels and want to be part of the football academy, you must indicate this on your application). We have a large selection of courses, far more than most other sixth forms. A Levels such as Business, English or Science are available, for full details on the wide selection of A Level courses please visit Course Guide - Herne Bay High School. Depending on grades achieved, students can progress onto university in a wide range of different subjects.

Level 2 Option

You can study a Level 2 fitness/health-based course, preparing you for employment. The VTCT Level 2 Certificate in Instructing Gym-based Exercise, is a 1-year course, and is the minimum qualification needed to work in any fitness/health environment as a fitness instructor. This qualification is for anyone who enjoys gym-based training, and perhaps wants to move into personal training in the long term. This course allows students to leave the academy and move directly into employment with the skills and experience they have acquired.

The Football

From a footballing perspective, we provide coaching of the highest professional standard and aim to give talented footballers the opportunity to progress in the game. Key elements of the programme:

Train/Play on HBFC's stadium 3G pitch
Players are coached by UEFA A and UEFA B staff
Play a full competitive season
Academy has a direct link with U23's football

We have a well-established, growing youth section, along with a desire to develop local players. HBFC have a pathway right through the club to senior football, for those committed and talented enough to take it. Within the academy we have many players who come from HBFC, but also players who play for various U18 sides at the weekend. We aim to help players reach their goal of securing playing contracts at semi pro and pro clubs. This is obviously something that is only for the very best players who are good enough to make that step.

For those players currently in Year 11, there is an open evening at the school on Wednesday 20th November, 5:30-7:30, giving you an opportunity to discuss courses, chat about football and see the school’s facilities. Applications can be made from 21st November, for those wanting to start in September 2025. Applications must be made via Kent Choices and trials will happen at HBFC in February.