Boys' Rugby Programme
Train in a high-performance environment and compete in the RFU ACE League while you complete your studies.
An elite student-athlete pathway
If your ambition is to become a professional rugby player, or simply to enhance your rugby ability while completing your studies, Activate Rugby Academy provides the environment, opportunities and support to help you reach your potential.
Our Boys' Rugby Programme is an elite student-athlete pathway for young rugby players aged 16-18, developing your ability in both sporting and academic domains and preparing you for the next stage of your development.
The rugby programme is based at our Harcourt Hill Campus, the home of Activate Rugby Academy, while your academic programme is delivered at our main site, Oxpens Campus, in the heart of Oxford. In partnership with Gloucester Rugby, we provide exposure to the professional game and a pathway into a Senior Academy.
Everything you need to progress
These services are available to all players on the programme.
- 12+ hours of dedicated rugby contact time each week
- Experienced and professional rugby coaching and development staff
- Strength & Conditioning, athletic development and injury-prevention support
- Access to medical and sports therapy support
- Individual player development and regular feedback
- Video analysis and rugby-specific education
- Pastoral support and guidance throughout your time at college
- High-quality training pitches at Harcourt Hill
- Access to dedicated Strength & Conditioning facilities
- Opportunities to gain additional sporting qualifications
- A clear pathway towards university, representative rugby and senior rugby
Choose your academic programme
The programme combines academic education, rugby development and personal development to help every player maximise their potential.
Your academic programme is delivered at City of Oxford College's Oxpens Campus. You can study a BTEC National Diploma or a selection of A Levels, depending on your academic pathway and entry requirements, while learning to manage your time and balance your academic and sporting commitments.
Sport Coaching
Study the BTEC National Diploma in Sport Coaching at Oxpens Campus alongside the rugby programme.
Entry requirements are listed on the course page.
Sport and Exercise Science
Study the BTEC National Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science at Oxpens Campus alongside the rugby programme.
Entry requirements are listed on the course page.
Selected A Level subjects
Study a selection of A Level subjects at Oxpens Campus alongside the rugby programme.
Entry requirements vary by subject. Subjects are listed on our A Levels page. Please refer to the individual subjects for specific requirements.
Our approach combines high challenge with high support, encouraging you to push your boundaries, take responsibility for your development and build the confidence and resilience to reach your potential.
A high-performance environment
Through our high-performance environment, you will experience the demands and expectations of professional sport at U18 level, while learning to manage your time and balance your academic and sporting commitments.
Your coaching and support team
You will work alongside an experienced team of specialist staff, including:
You will also have access to a range of player-support services throughout your studies, including an analysis platform, medical staff at training and matches, and individual meetings with coaching staff to follow your own Individual Development Plan.
From college rugby to the professional game
In partnership with Gloucester Rugby, we provide exposure to the professional game and a pathway into a Senior Academy. Competing in the RFU ACE League and the AoC Premiership gives our players high levels of competition to test their abilities and put their learning into practice.
- 16-18 rugby and educationCity of Oxford College
- Exposure to the professional gameGloucester Rugby
- Your next stepSenior Academy, university or senior rugby
Our purpose is clear: to maximise your potential and support your next step, whether that is gaining a professional contract, progressing into university, playing representative and club rugby, or preparing for the opportunities and challenges beyond the game.
Every player's journey is different. Whatever your ambition, we will work with you to identify the right next step for your individual development.
Your next step could be
- A professional contract and Senior Academy rugby
- University rugby
- Representative rugby
- Club and senior rugby
- Opportunities and careers beyond the game
The pathway helps you develop
- An understanding of the demands of professional sport
- Time management across study and sport
- Confidence and resilience
- Responsibility for your own development
Study at Oxpens, train at Harcourt Hill
Your academics are based at our Oxpens Campus, with the rugby programme located at the Harcourt Hill Campus, where you will benefit from specialist coaching, medical services and our outstanding new gym facility.
Oxpens Campus
Oxpens Campus is City of Oxford College's main site, providing a modern learning environment in the heart of Oxford with high-quality teaching, learning and student support facilities.
Students can benefit from:
- Modern teaching and learning spaces
- Dedicated student support and pastoral services
- Access to a wide range of academic opportunities
- A vibrant student community in the heart of Oxford
Harcourt Hill Campus
Activate Rugby Academy is based at the Harcourt Hill Campus, providing players with an ideal environment in which to study (within accommodation), train and develop. Being based at Harcourt Hill allows players to bring together their rugby training and wider personal development within a supportive environment.
The campus provides access to:
- Rugby pitches
- Strength & Conditioning facilities
- Sports and fitness facilities
- Student support services
- On-site en-suite accommodation, Sunday to Friday (subject to interview)
- The Club House (social space)
Living at Harcourt Hill
Our en-suite accommodation at Harcourt Hill means talented players from further afield can join the programme and live on the same campus where they train.
Our accommodation at Harcourt Hill is primarily for our rugby students. Students need to have applied for our academic pathway (Oxpens Campus) and been invited onto the rugby pathway before they will be invited to interview for accommodation.
Our students at Harcourt Hill are aged 16-18. Accommodation staff are on site 24 hours a day and available for students and parents to contact. Our goal is to ensure that all students feel safe, respected and supported during their time in college accommodation.
- Your own roomIndividual bedrooms, each with an en-suite
- Shared flatsCommunal kitchen, lounge and diner
- Single-sexAll flats are single-sex
- 24/7 staffAccommodation staff on site at all times
Who the programme is for
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.
Academic
Academic entry requirements depend on the course you choose:
- BTEC National Diploma in Sport Coaching: 4 GCSEs at grade 4, including English and Maths
- BTEC National Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science: 5 GCSEs at grade 5, including English, Maths and Science
- A Levels: a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 5, plus individual subject criteria
Please check the specific course page before you apply.
Rugby
As a rugby player, we will assess:
- Your rugby experience
- Your rugby CV
- Your performances in trials
Our selection process
Our selection process is designed to ensure that students are suited to both the academic and rugby programmes. Applying for a course on its own does not guarantee a place on the rugby programme.
- 1
Apply for the right academic programme
Choose the course or subjects that are right for you and make sure you meet the entry requirements. Players will only be considered once they have applied for our academic pathway.
- 2
Attend an Open Event
Come and meet the team, find out more about the programme and experience what life is like as a student-athlete.
- 3
Receive an invitation to trials
Successful applicants will be invited to rugby trials, where we will assess your rugby ability, potential and suitability for the programme.
- 4
Confirmation of your place
Following the academic and rugby selection process, successful students will receive confirmation of their place on the programme.
Take your next step with us
Our ambition is to become the leading rugby academy in the country, where the growth of every individual comes first.
We are committed to creating a community where every learner is seen, supported and challenged to achieve their ambitions, both on and off the pitch.
We Are Activate Rugby AcademyOne Family. Seen. Supported. Challenged.