Football here starts with a love of the game and runs all the way to elite sixth-form performance
The FC Kingsley Football Academy is a collaboration between the Ferdinand Collective and Kingsley School, offering boys and girls positive character development through football. It is built on the Ferdinand Collective's mission: "Football can be powerful; it can change lives regardless of the level to which you play the game."
Whether a young player is chasing a professional pathway or simply wants good football alongside a happy school life, there is a place for them in the Kingsley Family.
The school programme, and the elite sixth-form route
A player can join the academy from age 7 and, if they reach the standard, win a place in FC Rise | Kingsley Devon in the sixth form.
The school football programme with the Ferdinand Collective, on a bespoke spiral curriculum.
- Ages
- 7 upwards
- Coaching
- FC Devon
- Open to
- Boys and girls
- Leads to
- Sixth-form football
The elite sixth-form squad, coached by FC Devon, for players aiming at the highest level.
- Training
- Up to 14 hours a week
- Academics
- 3 A Level or BTEC subjects
- 1st XI places
- Around 20 a year
- Entry
- By trial and selection
Up to 14 hours of football a week, planned around study
FC Rise players receive up to 14 hours of bespoke football training each week, and the rest of their timetable is taken up with three A Level or BTEC subjects chosen from the school's full range of options.
three A Level or BTEC subjects from the full sixth-form range
options including the CTEC Sports Science (OCR Sport and Physical Activity) triple award
A bespoke spiral curriculum
The FC Kingsley Football Academy follows a bespoke spiral curriculum, designed to develop both passion and talent. Skills are introduced early and returned to at greater depth each year, so a footballer who starts in the Prep School builds steadily towards sixth-form football.
The academy welcomes players who simply love the game as well as those aiming for the FC Rise | Kingsley Devon squad, and ambitious young athletes can also be supported through the ACE Programme.
Tested against strong opposition every week
Home fixtures are played on the only World Rugby and FIFA approved all-weather sports pitch in North Devon, so training and matches can go ahead whatever the weather.
fixtures in the English Schools FA Super League
weekly games in the South West Colleges Football League
an appearance at ISA National Finals Day at St George's Park, the England training camp
Training, matches and finals
Coached by FC Devon, with a Head of Football from the professional game
Our Head of Football, Mr Craig Knowles, played professional football at Bolton Wanderers. FC Devon provides the coaching for the FC Rise | Kingsley Devon squad and for the FC Kingsley Football Academy. The Ferdinand Collective, founded by Julian Ferdinand and his sons, former international footballers Rio and Anton Ferdinand, brings its focus on character development through football to both programmes.
Craig Knowles
Craig leads football at Kingsley, bringing the experience of a professional career at Bolton Wanderers to every session. He coaches players of all abilities, from pupils finding their feet in the game to those competing for a place in FC Rise.
Joining FC Rise and the academy
Generous football scholarships are available to talented players, and places in FC Rise | Kingsley Devon are awarded by trial and selection. Players who are not selected at first are offered a place in the 2nd XI squad and may be drawn up to the 1st XI as they develop.
Applications for sports scholarships for entry into Year 12 close on 31 October 2026. Please contact Admissions to ask about the next trial date, a visit or a place in the FC Kingsley Football Academy.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours of football are there each week?
Players in FC Rise | Kingsley Devon, our elite sixth-form programme, receive up to 14 hours of bespoke football training each week. The rest of their timetable is given to three A Level or BTEC subjects.
Which year groups can take part?
The FC Kingsley Football Academy is open to boys and girls from age 7 upwards and follows a bespoke spiral curriculum. FC Rise | Kingsley Devon is the elite sixth-form programme, entered by trial and selection, with around 20 places available each year.
What academic courses run alongside the football?
FC Rise players study three A Level or BTEC subjects chosen from the school's full range of sixth-form options, which include the CTEC Sports Science (OCR Sport and Physical Activity) triple award.
How do I get a 1st XI place?
Places in the FC Rise | Kingsley Devon 1st XI are awarded through trials held each year, with around 20 places available. Players who are not selected for the 1st XI are offered a place in the 2nd XI squad and can move up to the 1st XI as they develop. The programme is led by Head of Football Craig Knowles, who played professionally for Bolton Wanderers, and our Admissions team can arrange a trial.
Are there football scholarships?
Yes. Kingsley offers generous football scholarships, and the strongest FC Rise | Kingsley Devon players are considered for one through the trial. A sports scholarship also gives access to the ACE Programme, with extra support in strength and conditioning, nutrition and sports psychology. Early scholarship applications for September 2027 entry close on 31 October 2026, and our Admissions team can advise on how to apply.
Northdown Road, Bideford