Plymouth Patriots Basketball Academy

Founded in 2021, in partnership with Tor Bridge High School, the Plymouth Patriots Basketball Academy combines elite level Basketball with premier tertiary education for aspiring athletes entering Post 16 study (ages 16 to 19).

Lead by a legend of professional British Basketball in Coach Paul James, assisted by Wales U17 National Team Assistant Coach Doug Llewellin, following a title winning 2024/2025 season and the 2025/2026 Season, the Patriots Academy programme continues to go from strength to strength, currently competing in the AOC 1 (Association of Colleges) Division.

​​Our exclusive Plymouth Patriots Basketball Academy programme incorporates high quality, professional basketball training with rigorous academic study. Our students train for basketball across the week and are coached by Patriots coaches and players. This academy forms a part of the heartbeat of our school with home games played on Wednesday afternoons and the Patriots’ Academy team performance is showcased for all to see.

Our students complete three A-levels alongside their training schedule and there is intensive support to prepare students for specialist sporting careers. Highly qualified staff support students in applying for USA scholarships and our close links with Plymouth Marjon University and others ensure that students can also progress on to sports coaching and sports development degrees whilst continuing to play basketball at university and beyond.

• 6+ weekly hours of professional coaching

• Sports specific strength and conditioning

• Video analysis and player development programmes

• Sports nutrition & sports psychology programmes

• Performance reviews & mentorship

• Open access to training facilities

• University recruitment promotion & guidance

A Complete Journey

With its roots firmly embedded in youth development, Plymouth Patriots Basketball Club is proud to possess one of the U.K.'s most comprehensive and effective youth development pathways. Ranging from as early as 4 years old into adulthood, our pathway, led by our expert coaches, provides a wide array of premier level opportunities for players of all ages and stages.

Unique Training Programme

A training schedule and academic study timetable can be seen below:

• Mon: 7.30am and 3.00pm
• Tues: 7.30am and 4.00pm
• Wed: 2.00pm / Game Day
• Thurs: 7:30am and 3.00 pm

Timetable for the School Day

Sixth Form students study three subjects and have multiple hours of taught lessons per subject a week. They also have six hours of supervised study periods a week. 

• 8.40 am – Registration with tutor
• 9.10 - 10.10 – Lesson 1
• 10.10 - 11.10 – Lesson 2
• 11.10 - 11.35 – Break
• 11.35 - 12.35 – Lesson 3
• 12.35 - 1.35 – Lesson 4
• 1.35 - 2.00 – Lunch
• 2.00 - 3.00 – Lesson 5

We are thrilled to be a part of developing such a unique offer which truly promotes students to excel in all areas.

We are excited to support future basketball stars to realise their ambitions!

*Please be aware that charges apply