A south Norfolk school has launched a ground-breaking new polo academy with world class polo coach, umpire and former professional player Jason Dixon.

The Langley School Polo Academy will offer an entire polo package open only to students at the school, which will integrate with the school timetable so students don't have to miss any lesson time.

The new venture follows hot on the heels of the success of the school's junior polo team who have competed in fixtures organised by the Schools and Universities Polo Association, among others, over the last two years.

The academy will offer an elite polo programme which will provide up to 15 hours of training a week at the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) accredited Norfolk Polo Club, two miles from the school, as well as a polo development programme suitable for beginners, which will offer eight hours of training a week.

Mr Dixon, who currently sits on the HPA Coaching Committee, has enjoyed vast success in his polo career including being a professional polo player for nineteen years, ten years of National and International coaching, and umpiring high goal polo in the UK and worldwide.

Mr Dixon said: 'Our aim is to create an environment in which Langley School pupils have the opportunity to become the best young polo players the UK can produce and to pursue excellence in the sport of polo.'

The programmes will include coaching in the riding element of polo, as well as stable management, stick and ball skills, tactical education, personal fitness, rules and regulations of polo, umpiring and cultural education of polo.

Headmaster Dominic Findlay said: 'What we are doing here is unparalleled and a really special opportunity; we have put together the best package for schooling, boarding and polo coaching; all together in one place, creating an unrivalled and outstanding Polo Academy for our students.'

David Wood, chief executive of HPA, added: 'It is great to see that a school can offer an excellent package of polo whilst successfully managing to avoid any compromise on academics.'

•Applications for the September 2014 polo academy programmes will open on December 9. Students who would like to apply should email cmayes@langleyschool.co.uk