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ABOUT EIGHT FIFTY
Unlock Potential. Balance Ambition. Perform at Your Peak.
Eight Fifty is a specialist sport mentoring and academic consultancy built for aspirational students aged 13–18. Whether the goal is Professional Sport, Oxbridge, a US sports scholarship, or simply navigating the demands of A-Levels or the IB alongside elite sporting commitments; we provide structured, high-impact support and guidance tailored to the individual.
Founded by a former professional athlete and current Head of Sixth Form at the UK's most recognised sports school and Europe’s largest independent boarding school—Eight Fifty exists to fill the gap between school-based support and the real demands placed on ambitious young students today. With holistic and deep expertise in academic performance, personal development, outstanding pastoral care and managing young athletes on the path to elite sport, we are uniquely positioned to support students who are striving for excellence in one or more domain.
EIGHT FIFTY
MIKE BARBER
Founder of Eight Fifty
Head of Sixth Form at the UK's Number 1 Sports School for the last decade and Europe’s Largest Independent Boarding School
Former Professional Athlete & High Performance Coach
With a unique career bridging elite sport and senior leadership in education, Mike draws on his experience as a former professional athlete and current Head of Sixth Form at the UK’s leading sports school and Europe’s largest independent boarding school. He specialises in guiding high-performing students aged 16–18 to excel both academically, pastorally and athletically, offering expert tutoring, strategic mentoring, and holistic support tailored to the specific needs of each student.
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PACKAGE
Legacy
900
Every month
High Performance Package for aspiring or performance pathway athletes. Unlimited holistic bespoke support offering performance review and intervention to aid preparation for elite sport.
Valid until canceled
Weekly 1:1 Mentoring
Parent Coaching - How to support high performance athlete
Unlimited WhatsApp Support
University and Agent Pathway Support
Emergency Support Calls
Bespoke performance review
Scholarship & School Advisory
Handling setbacks
Sports & Higher Education Transition
Quarterly Strategic Reviews
Annual Development Plan
Academic Pathway Planning
PACKAGE
Performance
600
Every month
Monthly 1:1 online mentorship with weekly review meeting and planning sessions to enhance academic and sporting outcomes, plus parent debriefs keeping students on track for success.
Valid until canceled
1 Hour 1:1 online session each week
Designed to help students balance and thrive
Holistic planning and review for the week ahead
Focus on key structures, behaviours and how to improve
Parental consultation each month
Unlimited access to parental support feedback
Sporting & Academic Performance Tracking
PACKAGE
Development
300
Every month
Performance Development Programme designed to increase performance and aid development for athletes facing increasing performance demands.
Valid until canceled
Bi-weekly 1:1 online mentoring sessions
Fortnightly Progress Review
Performance Tracking Dashboard
Parent Update Summary
Academic Report Review
Competition and Training Planning
PACKAGE
Foundation
200
Every month
Foundation Package designed for athletes who are performing well and want additional guidance or those requiring structure and accountability slitty.
Valid until canceled
1 Monthly 1:1 Online Session
Goal Setting & Review
Monthly Performance Check In
Academic & Sporting Progress Discussion
Monthly Personal Action Plan
Email Support
OUR PACKAGES
We offer stand alone mentoring sessions or monthly plans to suit your needs
"MIKE'S GUIDANCE AND KNOWLEDGE IS UNMATCHED IN HIS UNDERSTANDING OF THE NEEDS AND DEMANDS OF STUDENT ATHLETES"
Max Ojomoh | Bath Rugby & England