Where keen surfers go deeper into technique, knowledge and the industry
The surf academy is open to the Kingsley Family in Years 7 to 13, for pupils who love surfing and want to take it further. Curriculum surfing gives every pupil in Years 7 to 10 an average of 10 sessions a year, included in school fees. The Academy is the next step for those who want more water time and closer coaching.
Kingsley was named UK Surf School of the Year 2026 at the Wavelength UK Surfer Awards and was the first school in Europe to fully integrate surfing into education. Academy pupils also have access to industry workshops and competitions alongside their coached sessions.
Small groups, and coaches who know each surfer
Surf coaching in the Academy runs in small groups with consistent mentorship across the year, so feedback is personal and progress is tracked from one session to the next. Over the year, pupils develop in these areas.
Wave forecasting, reading swell, wind and tides to choose where and when to surf
Strength and conditioning built around the demands of surfing
Technique refinement, from paddle position to turns
Advanced methods for surfers ready to push their performance
People who work in and around the sport every day
The Academy is led by Aym Dupuy, Head of Surf Academy and Coastal Adventures. The wider coaching team includes local experts in performance surfing, water photography, skateboarding, expedition delivery and climbing.
Because the coast is five minutes away, water time and workshop time sit side by side across the week.
Dedicated, in-house facilities
The Shaping Bay, for designing, making and repairing surf-craft and building practical workshop skills
The Surf Fit Suite, for strength and conditioning tailored to surfers
Video analysis for detailed performance feedback
High-quality boards and photography gear, including professional water housings and cameras
A full indoor surf skate track with skate coaching, to develop balance and transferable surf movement
Changing rooms, board and wetsuit stores, and a purpose-built learning space
Designed with the surf industry in mind
Beyond formal awards, the Academy opens pathways in surfboard shaping, content creation, lifeguard training and coaching certifications. These stay flexible and sit comfortably alongside school work, so a surfer can follow what interests them.
RLSS Beach Lifeguard
Surfing England Recreational Award (Level 1)
Leadership roles within sessions and clubs
Work experience with trusted local partners
Instructor development and mentoring
The Academy, and the squad above it
Both tiers build on curriculum surfing. The Surf Development Squad is the selective step above the Academy, with up to 60 sessions a year and 28 places.
For keen surfers in Years 7 to 13 who want more water time and a tailored surf curriculum.
- Sessions a year
- Up to 30
- Places
- Open
- Cost
- £135 per term
- Entry
- By enquiry
The selective tier above, shaped around each surfer's competitive or career goals.
- Sessions a year
- Up to 60
- Places
- 28
- Cost
- £300 per term
- Entry
- Selection
Water time and workshop time
Frequently asked questions
Who does the Surf Academy suit?
The Surf Academy (Advanced) suits Kingsley pupils in Years 7 to 13 who are passionate about surfing and want to take it further. It offers more water time, expert coaching in small groups and a route toward qualifications and experience in the surf industry.
What year groups can join?
The Surf Academy is open to pupils in Years 7 to 13, from across the senior school and the Sixth Form. Academy sessions replace traditional Outdoor Education in the timetable.
How is it different from surfing in the curriculum?
Curriculum surfing is for every pupil, with Years 7 to 10 averaging 10 sessions a year included in school fees. The Surf Academy raises that to up to 30 sessions a year and replaces traditional Outdoor Education with a tailored surf curriculum. Pupils train in small groups and add strength and conditioning in the Surf Fit Suite, Shaping Bay work and routes toward lifeguard and coaching awards.
Northdown Road, Bideford