A DORSET school features in a Sky Sports documentary – outlining how it combines the pursuit of success in high-level sport with academic education.

Bryanston School, near Blandford, and head teacher Richard Jones, feature in Chasing the Dream, a seven-part Sky Sports program exploring the world of football academies.

Hosted by former Premier League manager, Tony Pulis, the series features insights from some of the biggest names in football, including Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

And in Episode 7, Pulis visits Bryanston to discuss how the School successfully integrates high-level athletic training with academic education.

Richard, who was interviewed during the episode, said Bryanston addressed the critical balance between sports and education for young athletes.

“My concern is that football often becomes the priority, leaving education as an afterthought,” he said. “The challenge is to rebalance that dynamic, making education the core focus.”

Bryanston’s approach is grounded in its personalised education model, he said, particularly its one-to-one tutoring system.

Each pupil is paired with a dedicated tutor for their entire five-year journey at the school, building a strong, supportive relationship.

“Weekly meetings with tutors provide academic guidance and pastoral care, complementing the support pupils receive from house parents,” a spokesperson explained.

“Sports scholars in both the prep and senior school are also assigned mentors who are heads of games who work closely with the pupils on their sporting journey.”

The facilities at Bryanston School were praised by former Premier League boss, Tony Pulis. Picture: Bryanston School

The school also offers a Performance Sports Programme (PSP), which provides a comprehensive framework for excelling in both academics and sports.

“Beginning as early as Year 7, the PSP includes Performance Coaching & Skill Development with personalised training from expert coaches, a Strength, Conditioning & Wellbeing fitness programme led by world-class strength and conditioning professionals, Sports Psychology Support to enhance mental resilience and performance and Physiotherapy Access with on-site treatment and rehabilitation services,” they added.

It aims to equip pupils with the resources, personal mentorship and skills needed for a successful sporting career while prioritising their overall development.

Bryanston offers sports scholarships in football, rugby, cricket, hockey, netball and equestrian sports. These scholarships are available for entry into Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12, with application opportunities in January, March and November 2025.

During filming for Sky Sports, former Stoke boss Pulis commended the school’s state-of-the-art facilities and forward-thinking programmes, saying Premier League clubs visit Bryanston to observe its innovative approach to education alongside elite sports development.

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