KES Academy Sixth Form Alumni and Professional Footballer, Joe Taylor Celebrates Promotion to Premier League

Former King Edward Academy Sixth Form student and Professional Footballer for Luton Town, Joe Taylor recently celebrated being promoted to the Premier League. Joe attended KES Academy Sixth Form in 2021 and studied for a Level 3 Cambridge Technicals in Sport and Physical Activity. 

Joe acknowledges that KES Academy Sixth Form played a big role in his early career, playing football in the Under-19’s National League alongside his academic studies, saying:

“Obviously my time at KES Academy Sixth Form played a massive part in my career. It allowed me to compete at a decent level of football, the U19’s national league, whilst continuing my studies just in case football didn’t work out. Fortunately I can safely say it did.”

A new Under-19’s football pitch situated at King Edward Academy was opened last year by King's Lynn Town Football Club with a special training session offering students at KES Academy an opportunity to play alongside members of the local team. A partnership has developed over the years between the school and local football club, which grows stronger as the club's future generations continue to prosper at KES Academy. 

Joe Taylor said:

"KES Academy Sixth Form gave me the platform to study while continuing to keep my dream alive on becoming a professional footballer. Kings Lynn FC Academy showed me the pathway into the professional game. The opportunity from both KES Academy and Kings Lynn FC shows all young adults what can be achieved."

Principal of KES Academy, Sarah Hartshorn said: 

"I am always proud of my students that go on to be successful in their desired careers. One thing that made Joe stand out on the course was his humility. He knew he had outstanding skill, but he was levelheaded and didn’t allow the quick football success to prevent him from securing his academic achievement. He remained dedicated to his studies, allowing him to have a solid and secure foundation for his future. I wish him all the success, he deserves it!"

KLTFC Football Academy Director, Alex Cross said: 

"It’s been a really impressive journey for Joe. He was part of our programme and is a shining example of how all current and future players can thrive to become professional footballers. This is another example of the Academy partnership working and the success it can bring. We already look forward to seeing the next Joe Taylor within the partnership."

Head of Sixth Form, Alistair White said:

"The sixth form team have eagerly followed Joe's football career since he left us and were delighted by his latest success in the playoff finals. His achievements are testament to his determination and work ethic, and as such he is an example to all our students. That our sixth form's partnership with KLTFC gave him a platform to continue his progression as a footballer while continuing his studies demonstrates the success of this programme. The fact that Joe decided to complete his studies after signing a professional contract perfectly demonstrates the attitude we seek to instil in all our football students. We wish him continued success and look forward to watching the next step in his football career."

Find out more about our Kings Lynn Town FC Academy Programme