Dallam School and GT7 sign agreement launching new football-focused Sixth Form pathway
Dallam School has signed an agreement with GT7 to deliver a new post-16 pathway, giving students a football-focused alternative to traditional A-level study. The new offer is designed not only for talented players but also for young people with a serious interest in building a future connected to the game across a range of roles, including coaching, performance support, marketing, sponsorship, business, and hospitality.
The agreement brings together Dallam School’s established Sixth Form and Boarding offers with GT7’s experience as a successful and well-established coaching business. Building on the success of the GT7 and Dallam Football Academy, the new pathway adds further depth to the school’s post-16 provision.
Marked by a contract signing featuring Dallam Headteacher Steven Henneberry, Head of Boarding Nicola Gilbert and GT7 co-founders Shaun Gardner and Garry Thompson, the agreement represents an important step forward in the development of Dallam’s Sixth Form offer.
Students on the programme will study a two-year course equivalent to three A-levels, combining practical training, classroom learning and industry insight. As well as developing their understanding of the game, students will be supported to explore football as a wider professional sector, with progression routes that can lead to higher education, employment and a broad range of football-related careers.
Steven Henneberry, Headteacher at Dallam School, said: “This partnership with GT7 significantly strengthens our Sixth Form offer. It gives students access to a high-quality alternative to traditional A-level study, combining academic challenge with industry-focused learning and reflecting the kind of ambitious, forward-looking education we are proud to provide at Dallam.”
Nicola Gilbert, Head of Boarding at Dallam School, said: “This is an exciting development because it builds directly on the success of the GT7 and Dallam Football Academy. It also strengthens our Boarding offer, giving students with a keen interest in football the opportunity to develop that passion within a diverse international community that adds real depth to their experience.”
Shaun Gardner, GT7 co-founder, said: “Through this partnership, students will be able to develop their understanding of the game and gain recognised qualifications. It will also open their eyes to the many different directions a career in football can take.”
Garry Thompson, GT7 co-founder, said: “What excites me about this partnership is the opportunity to bring my perspective from the professional game into education. It gives students the chance to develop the standards and mindset needed to succeed in football and the wider industry.”
For Dallam, the agreement creates a robust football pathway alongside more traditional academic routes. For GT7, it marks the next stage in a successful partnership with the school and an opportunity to help more young people see football not simply as a sport but as an industry offering a wide range of opportunities.
Students interested in joining the new pathway from September 2026 can find out more and apply via the Dallam School website.
