Elite Performer programme

The Elite Performer Programme (EPP) supports students who are performing at an exceptionally high level in sport, performing arts, or other specialist disciplines.

“Elite” status is defined by a sustained and significant commitment outside of school, which typically includes regular training, rehearsals, performances, or competitions. In many cases, students will be performing or competing at national level or equivalent.

Students accepted onto the programme are allocated a school mentor. The mentor acts as the key point of contact between the school, the student, parents/carers, and external coaches or organisations. Regular meetings are held to review academic progress, attendance, punctuality, behaviour, and external commitments.

Where appropriate, the school may consider limited flexibility to support elite-level commitments. This may include, for example, arrangements relating to occasional absence for competition or performance, or adjustments to deadlines. However, the school does not offer flexible or part-time education, and all students remain fully enrolled in a full-time curriculum with high expectations for engagement and achievement across all subjects.

Participation in the programme is subject to ongoing review and is dependent on:

• Satisfactory academic progress in all subjects
• Strong attendance, punctuality, and behaviour
• Continued commitment to the wider life of the school

Mentors also support with leave of absence requests, communication with external coaches, and, where appropriate, coordination of extensions for homework or coursework.

The programme maintains a record of students’ commitments and achievements, ensuring that both their academic and external responsibilities are effectively supported.

Our current and former Elite Performer students have included individuals who have:

• Represented professional football academies and national squads, including Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Millwall, and England age-group teams
• Competed at national athletics championships, including U20 England Championships and British Championships trials
• Performed in West End productions
• Competed in professional horse racing events at venues such as Newmarket and Lingfield

For further information, please contact enquiries@aesessex.co.uk, marking your email for the attention of the Elite Performer Co-ordinator.