We provide support for students to pursue their rugby ambitions whilst studying their preferred academic pathway, whether that be A levels, a BTEC or other vocational courses. Students will be able to compete with their home club as well as have access to:
- 12hrs + of dedicated contact time each week with our rugby staff
- Outstanding professional coaches, Strength and Conditioning staff, and medical support
- Pastoral support and guidance
- Quality playing and training facilities at our training ground, including artificial and grass pitches, as well as state-of-the-art Strength and Conditioning facilities
- The opportunity to study an additional sporting qualification—Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE), for selected students
Please use the Apply Now function to register your interest. This programme is highly competitive, and you must attend an assessment day as part of the application process. Once you have applied for the course, we will be in touch with you to provide further information regarding the assessment days.
Please note:
Students must be aged between 16–18 at the time of studying.
Players will be asked to attend both assessment days, where possible.
What you'll learn
With this programme players can choose to study a BTEC National Diploma in Sport at City of Oxford College. Alternatively, a choice of A Levels can be studied alongside a Rugby Programme.
We give young players a structured environment, and support in order to maximise their potential both on the pitch and in the classroom.
Others will progress into Higher Education, and we have extensive links with top rugby-playing Universities so that players can harness those opportunities. This will ensure that everyone graduating from our programme has the opportunity to continue their rugby development further at the right level for them.
Academic Programme
Players can choose to study a BTEC National Diploma in Sport, Sports and Exercise Science, Business or other vocational area, or a choice of A Levels at City of Oxford College. Alongside your chosen academic path, a select number of student athletes will study towards a Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE). This is an RFU-endorsed rugby programme for 16-18-year-olds based at the England Regional Academies.
Rugby Programme
You will have a practical rugby schedule in addition to your academic lessons and will be supported on modules designed by sports professionals. Each module will develop a specific facet of your game, including your ability to read and interpret the game around you, as well as the correct mental and physical preparation and recovery.
How you'll learn and be assessed
As part of the squad, your typical week will include:
- Timetabled academic lessons
- Over 12 hours of rugby contact time throughout the week
- Strength and conditioning and prehab sessions
- Units/Team Rugby and analysis sessions
- Additional sessions with the Centre of Excellence
You will be able to continue to compete with your respective clubs and counties on weekends. Although we understand your passion and focus may be on the player development programme, you are expected to place your academic studies as your priority.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Oxford is available at our training base at Harcourt Hill. If you would like more information on the accommodation options, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team directly.
Entry requirements
This programme is for students aged 16–18 only.
Your application will be judged on your abilities as a rugby player, as well as your academic merits.
As a rugby player, we will assess your experience, your rugby CV and performances in trials. Academically, you should expect to need good grades overall, with specific requirements dependent on the subject you wish to study.
How to apply
Please use the Apply Now function to register your interest. This programme is highly competitive, and you must attend an assessment day as part of the application process. Once you have applied for the course, we will be in touch with you to provide further information regarding the assessment days.
