Copleston Basketball Academy
We are very proud to have a nationally renowned basketball academy as part of our Sixth Form. Students who wish to combine a high quality academic experience with the opportunity to develop their talents in sport will be well catered for at Copleston. Our basketball academy is run by specialist coaches and has had success in sporting tournaments, both at a regional and national level.
As a member of Copleston Basketball Academy and Sixth Form you will benefit from:
- Individual academic programmes which allow each student to maximise their potential.
- Academic and pastoral support from a wide range of staff.
- Outstanding purpose built study facilities that provide students with the environment to achieve their academic potential.
- Specialist advice and guidance about university and career paths that is readily available throughout your time at Sixth Form.
- Weekly high level coaching in your chosen sport
- High level competitive fixtures
- High quality playing and training kit
- Access to a professional strength and conditioning coach, who will work with you to design a programme tailored to your individual requirements
- Free access to a professional sports physiotherapist when required
- Free membership of the schools comprehensive fitness suite
Our Basketball Academy
The Copleston Basketball Academy has been recognised by England Basketball as one of the top Academies in the country, and one of only 12 institutions in the nationally delivering the Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) programme. Led by international coach Nick Drane, students in the Academy will receive up to 15 hours of coaching alongside their academic studies.
Applying to join our basketball academy
Copleston Basketball Academy, based at Copleston Sixth Form, is an elite academy ranked in the top three in the UK. Given its status as an elite academy, students who wish to apply to join the basketball academy must be accepted by both the Sixth Form and the Basketball Academy in separate applications. This application will result in prospective elite athletes being invited into Copleston for a workout and formal visit.
- In order to apply for Copleston Basketball Academy (EABL and WEABL competition), please indicate on your application form that you wish to apply for our academy and provide information about your basketball experience and coach contact details.
Academy Information on IBA website
How can the academy support my basketball career?
Many of our students (both past and present) progress to playing in the national teams, at under 18 and under 21 levels. The school supports these students in attending training camps and tournaments and will help them to manage their academic work alongside these commitments.
We also have much success in enabling students to gain scholarships to universities and colleges in the USA where they have the incredible opportunity to play college level basketball with some of the top young players in the world.
You can find out more out some of these successes by reading the academy brochure on the IBA website.
How does the academy benefit the wider Sixth Form?
Matches are open to all students and are a fantastic opportunity to see elite players on the court and to soak up the atmosphere of top level basketball. Many of our students progress to the national team or go on to play at an international level, so you really will be seeing some of the best players in the country! We also play against the top teams from other academies.
We support our teams as they progress through national competitions and there was a great atmosphere when our girls team reached the national finals, with the game shown on big screens in our open area and with bunting and balloons to welcome them home afterwards.
Having an elite academy as part of our Sixth Form also helps to promote our Sixth Form beyond Ipswich and means that all students can feel proud to be a part of the community.
If you are interested in finding out more about our Sports Academies, please contact the Sixth Form Team
tel: 01473 277240 (Ext: 771)
email: SixthForm@copleston.suffolk.sch.uk
You can also contact the basketball academy directly via this e-mail:
basketballacademy@copleston.suffolk.sch.uk
