Culford School Tennis Academy
Culford School's tennis programme is amongst the finest in the UK and is consistently ranked in the top two or three schools in Great Britain. We are one of the few school programmes where tennis, strength & conditioning and academics are all on the same site and we are recognised for having exceptional coaches and facilities.
Culford has consistently won national school titles in boys and girls competitions from U18s to the year 7-8 events over the last ten years. Our philosophy is based on developing excellent fundamental skills for the player, integrating the four performance factors while developing strengths for the future. We pride ourselves on a positive yet hard working environment for players to excel using the game based approach through individual and group lessons, priding ourselves on effort and application from the individual.
All pupils have opportunities to be involved in the sport, with the option of individual lessons, squad training throughout the year and playing for one of the many school teams.
We are an LTA Regional Player Development Centre and our exceptional facilities include:
- Six outdoor courts
- Four championship standard indoor courts
- Two indoor courts covered by a single skin air-hall
- Strength and conditioning suite and fitness studio
Why do families choose Culford Tennis Academy?
Our Programmes
Culford Tennis Academy allows for not only a dynamic and challenging setting, but also provides a competitive atmosphere where individuals always have another player above and below their level with varying game styles. The school tennis programme is open to all pupils and includes 11 different levels which vary from squad to individual sessions, based on the player’s ability, potential and desire to succeed.
Centre of Excellence
Culford is an LTA Accredited Regional Player Development Centre (RPDC) and acts as a centre of excellence for the Eastern Region. For players who achieve the LTA criteria, funding can be available.
Future Success
Culford Tennis Academy regularly produces tennis players of national or international standard, with the potential to make the transition from top-class junior to world-class senior. We ensure that all scholars develop as both tennis players and individuals, maintaining a competitive but sportsman-like attitude to their sport. Each year, Culford Tennis Academy pupils gain scholarships to the United States; we work with Tennis Smart and Sport USA, who believe in helping players along a developmental pathway that means staying in education at every stage of their tennis development, from obtaining GCSEs and A Levels, to gaining a scholarship to a top US university.
Space to Thrive
Established over 15 years ago, Culford School Tennis Academy provides pupil athletes with the resources they need to perform at the highest level. Framed in 480 acres of majestic parkland, the school boasts a wealth of modern facilities including: a championship-standard four court indoor tennis centre; six outdoor courts; two indoor courts, covered by a single skin air hall; a strength and conditioning suite and fitness studio.
School Tennis Programme
The tennis programme is open to all pupils and includes 11 different levels, which vary from squad to individual sessions, based on the player’s ability, potential and desire to succeed.
High Performance Tennis Programme
Beyond the tennis programme, our performance programme is open to all Culford pupils above the age of nine who are in county training squads, or better. Suitability is determined by an interview with the Head of Tennis, as well as an assessment by one of the coaching team. Player desire, potential, commitment and family support are all taken into consideration during this process.
Sessions for pupils on the performance tennis programme are scheduled around their academic timetable and may take place during the school day, at lunch times and before and after school. Although a large portion of their day will be focused on tennis, it is expected that players remain up to date with their academic work and they will have full support from teachers and their tutor to do so.
Sessions in the performance programmes focus on technical and individual skill development, game understanding, strength and conditioning and mental development.
Explore More
Find out why our coaches, pupils and facilities make Culford Tennis Academy the leading co-education tennis school in the UK.
Culford Tennis Blog
Keep up-to-date with all aspects of tennis life through our dedicated tennis blog. Run by our team of coaches, the Culford tennis blog is full of practical advice and inspiration to keep you on top of your game.
Chris Johnson
Long term athlete development (LTAD) describes a research based framework for the development of young athletes in sport and the continuation of an active lifestyle after sport. Coaches who engage in its model are more likely to assist athletes in achieving their full potential.
Chris Johnson
Whenever we are in a situation where we have no control, it is the ability to stay focused on those finer details, focusing on those aspects that we can change and control. In the tennis world it is often called ‘control the controllables’ and in this lockdown, it is certainly a case of focusing all of our efforts on those areas we have control over.
Chris Johnson
There are many possible routes you can take once you finish A levels as a tennis player, going to University, playing on the futures tour, going into coaching being a few of the main ones to note. Having put the hard yards in throughout the past 10 or more years to get to the level that you have achieved in the sport, this now presents one of the most exciting parts of the journey. You are now about to embark on life experiences that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Safeguarding policy
Culford and the LTA are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Click here to read the Culford School safeguarding policy. Click here to read the LTA's safeguarding policy
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