Peterborough United youngster will continue pursuing his academic qualifications in his hometown of King's Lynn

He may have just signed a professional deal with Peterborough United – but Lynn-born striker Joe Taylor will still pursue his academic qualifications at KES Academy.

The 19-year-old frontman, who scored a glut of goals for Wroxham in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division this season, has moved to the Weston Homes Stadium to link up with the Posh Under-23 squad.

Taylor scored 21 goals in 13 matches on loan for The Yachtsmen before returning to his hometown club to make one appearance for the Linnets in the National League.

The youngster’s decision to continue with his studies has been welcomed by KES.

Former Linnets goalkeeper Danny Gay, head of house and enrichment, said: “When we set up the programme 18 months ago, we wanted to give young budding footballers the opportunity to train daily while studying.

“The success with Joe shows the pathway these lads can follow and it shows both current and future students that football and education works.

“The programme helps students gain qualification in Cambridge Technical where students can achieve several A-Levels in PE.

"It also gives them a chance to improve leadership and life skills with our lower school students extra curricular clubs while training and developing their football daily under UEFA qualified coaches, including Ian Culverhouse.”

Ross McNeil, head of house and enrichment, added: “We spoke with Joe and his family and all wanted to ensure he completed his CTEC and achieved his A levels.

“It’s testament to Joe and his work ethic that he was determined to gain his A levels at KES. We have a great history and record of outstanding results in PE and he will certainly become part of this success.

“Even though he was only here for one-and-a-half years Joe was thought of very highly in and out of the classroom and his leadership skills will certainly help him achieve his next targets at Peterborough United.”

Taylor’s progression again demonstrates what can achieved by youngsters on the link-up between KES Academy and the Linnets, which was formed in the summer of last year.

Principal Sarah Hartshorn said: "We are so pleased for Joe and he will undoubtedly be a great asset to Peterborough United.

"Since joining King Edward VII he has demonstrated real commitment to his training and dedication to his academic studies and we are delighted that he will be remaining with us to complete his A-Levels.

"We wish him all of the best and look forward to celebrating his future successes with him."

Alistair White, head of Sixth Form, added: “KES Academy sixth form has always been committed to providing students with the opportunities they need to make the next step in their lives.

“One of our key goals when we embarked on our partnership with King’s Lynn Town Football Club was to offer students new opportunities and the chance to fulfil their potential as footballers.

“I’m delighted that Joe has been able to take this opportunity and he has clearly worked extremely hard to make the most of his obvious talent and improve as a player.

“I’m sure he would agree that the outstanding coaching sessions Joe Simpson, Ian Culverhouse and Aaron Jones have delivered at KES have given him the platform to make this progress.

“Besides developing as a player, it has been great to see Joe embrace the culture of our Academy and sixth form.

“He has developed his leadership skills by supporting lower school football and PE sessions and was an ambassador for the partnership at our recent sixth form open evening.

“We all wish him every success with Peterborough and look forward to following his continued progress. We do however, understand that not all students within the football academy will reach Joe’s level.

The partnership is therefore focused on ensuring students develop their education both on and off the field. “We work hard to ensure that those that don’t make it as footballers still gain the experience, skills and qualifications that will provide them with a route into full time employment in the sports industry, or onto Higher Education.

“I’m sure that Joe is the first of many success stories for our Academy students, both on and off the pitch.”