His views are shared by Michel Bruyninckx, formerly academy director for Belgian club Standard Liege and now at Qatar's Aspire Academy, who is something of a pioneer when it comes to brain training in soccer players.

CNN: Mind over matter: Soccer's bid to train the brain

The union said converting to an academy would mean a "backwards step" for the standard of education.

BBC: Redhill School in Stourbridge closed as teachers strike

Investment, consulting and project management company Vicon wants to redevelop the castle itself as the "centrepiece" of a development that proposes "a world-class championship-standard 18-hole golf course, clubhouse and educational golf academy, new whisky distillery, homes, retail and a food and drink centre of excellence".

BBC: Loudoun Castle