Some of England’s finest football players have attended school in and around Birmingham.
The likes of Jude Bellingham, Jack Grealish and Daniel Sturridge all grew up in the West Midlands and attended schools in the area. Many Birmingham born and bred players have also played for their country, with many also getting their exam results from around the city. Some stars also attended school in Solihull and Sandwell.
Many of the countries top footballers received their education in the region and also began playing the sport they love in the area to. Joleon Lescott and Daniel Sturridge both went to the same Birmingham high school. Their old headteacher, said: “I must be the only headteacher in the country who cannot tell the kids to stop dreaming about sporting glory. I remember both Joleon and Daniel…they were lovely kids.
“Joleon was the quieter of the two but he was obsessed with his football. He really did live for it and would take any chance he could get to play a game.”
We’ve taken a look at 14 footballers who went to school in Birmingham, Solihull and Sandwell.
1. Jude Bellingham: Priory School, Edgbaston
Widely regarded as one of the best young players in the world, the 19-year-old from Stourbridge started his education at Priory School in Birmingham. Priory School is an independent Catholic and preparatory school situated in the Edgbaston suburb. | Getty Images
2. Nathan Redmond: King Edward VI Sheldon Heath Academy, Sheldon
Another football star who started playing young for Birmingham as a 16-year-old is Nathan Redmond. The winger, who currently plays for Southampton FC, went to King Edward VI Sheldon Heath Academy, a secondary school and sixth form in the Sheldon area and previously played for Norwich City too. Photo: Alex Pantling
3. Troy Deeney: Archbishop Grimshaw Catholic Secondary school, Chelmsley Wood
Starting his professional career at Watford in 2010, Deeney signed for Birmingham City in August 2021 and had made 19 appearances before he was selected as captain. The 34-year-old striker grew up in Birmingham and attended Archbishop Grimshaw Catholic Secondary school in Chelmsley Wood but left with no GCSEs. Photo: Getty Images
4. Tate Campbell Priory School, Edgbaston
Much like Bellingham, Tate Campbell attended Priory School in Edgbaston before signing his first professional contract in 2020. Campbell plays as a midfielder for the home team and recently signed for an extra 12 months, with the option of a year | Getty Images