Record results for student stars!

Overall a 99.5 per cent pass rate was achieved at the NPLFA this year, with a record number of students achieving a Merit or Distinction grade. Four students achieved D*D*D*, the highest grade possible within the BTEC, which is equal to three A*s at A Level. In addition to this, 13 per cent of our current students are also on course to match that perfect attainment after an incredibly successful first year.

There was also a record ‘value added’ score across the programme which highlights the improvement our students make throughout the duration of the course, which takes into account entry grading and final academic progression.

Student satisfaction was again overwhelmingly positive, as our teaching and academic support team gained a rating of 4.2 out of 5 in the end of year survey.

Head of Education Sam Shaw commented: “It’s been a hugely successful year both on and off the pitch and the results achieved again highlight the quality of our education programme, which is continuing to improve year on year as the organisation expands.”

He added: “What is even more pleasing is the number of students who are realising a real passion for sport and are now progressing onto higher education, either at university or via our bespoke degree pathways, which are run in partnership with Loughborough College.

"It’s going to be great to welcome back our first degree students in September, who will further enhance the academy programme and emphasise that there are achievable pathways to employment here, for all of our students to aspire to.”

Many of our students have also progressed on to higher education and have been highlighted this past seven days in the NPLFA's Progression Week stories - Jack Repton (Belper Town), Colby Mcquillan (Warrington Town), Cameron Higgins (Mickleover Sports), Simran Shahi (Mickleover Sports), Aron McGrath (Warrington Town) and Dylan Emery-Woods (Warrington Town) all featuring.

* The EVO-STIK League’s ground-breaking academy was founded with the backing of the Football Association at five pilot clubs in September 2014 to provide career pathways into the football industry.

Expanding to 13 clubs catering to more than 400 students for the 2017-18 season this September, the NPLFA is still the only league wide academy in English football combining sport with education. Thanks to the new higher education partnership with Loughborough College, youngsters currently studying with the NPLFA on two year BTEC courses or embarking on them this Autumn are also be able to continue their education to degree level while developing their football careers within the EVO-STIK League.

When not studying, students train on a daily basis with UEFA qualified coaches while competing in the NPL Youth League and the FA Youth Cup. In April, Mickleover Sports won the NPLFA's youth league for the third season running while Warrington Town's stars of the future lifted the inaugural NPLFA Cup at Stole City's Bet365 Stadium.

The exploits of the NPLFA’s stars are not going unnoticed either. Since last season the NPLFA has been recording all its matches for coaching and publicity purposes, the footage shot by FilmMyMatch before the clips are edited into highlights packages for viewers on the academy’s website and busy social media channels.

To see the NPLFA's latest promotional videos and success stories, follow on Twitter at @NPLFA or visit: www.nplfa.co.uk. For more information on the degree courses contact: sam@nplfa.co.uk.

Images courtesy of nplfa.co.uk

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