Laurus Ryecroft Sixth Form opened in September 2023 as part of the Laurus Trust. The Laurus Trust is a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), committed to providing exceptional aca-demic education to its family of schools across Stockport, Manchester, Tameside, and Cheshire East. Known for its commitment to academic excellence, the Laurus Trust con-sistently supports outstanding results across its 16 school Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), nurturing a culture of high achievement and student success.
Supported by Andrew Law, the football school will see sixth form students coached in City’s world-renowned playing style that has achieved global success and will provide unique opportunities for personal athletic development.
Andrew Law, sponsor of the Laurus Trust said: “As a passionate and lifelong Manchester City supporter, I’m delighted to champion this thrilling initiative. Such a program is unprecedented in the realm of state education. I personally believe that students can excel both in the classroom and on the sports pitch. The Academic Football Pathway is the perfect program to support this vision. We want to collectively show what is possible.”
Launching in September 2025. the new programme will see Laurus Ryecroft students participate in two weekly training sessions led by Manchester City coaches, along with game analysis classes and regular fixture support during the football season.
The programme also provides students with the opportunity to train at the City Football Academy and will allow a select number of students the option to enrol City Football Leadership Institute courses.
Commenting on the partnership, Jorgina Busquets, Managing Director - Football Education, Recreation & Partner Clubs for City Football Group, said: “We are delighted to partner with Laurus Ryecroft Sixth Form to bring our leading football programme to their students. Laurus Ryecroft shares our commitment to education and the role sport plays in holistic development and we look forward to supporting their students in both academic and athletic growth.
“This collaboration highlights the power of sport in education and preparing students for a successful future both on and off the field.”
Stephanie Bridge, Director of Laurus Ryecroft Sixth Form expressed her gratitude to the City Group and Andrew Law: “We are excited to finally be able to offer young people a model of football education that does not force students to choose between their sporting passion and an academic set of qualifications. Students should be able to have both… and now they can. We are grateful to Manchester City for recognising this social injustice and agreeing to work in partnership with a Manchester-based Sixth Form to combat it.”
