The British Racing School

Providing outstanding education, skills for life and skills for work - making horse racing accessible for all.

About us

Our mission is to make the horse racing industry accessible for all young people, regardless of their background or experience with horses.

The British Racing School empowers young people to achieve their educational and employment potential by providing them with:

Outstanding industry education. We teach young people all the practical skills and theoretical knowledge they need to know to gain employment and progress their careers in the horse racing industry. In addition to industry education, our young people are supported to improve their English and Maths by dedicated tutors throughout their time with us.

Skills for life. Our residential courses equip young people for living independently such as cooking, cleaning, healthy eating and budgeting.

Skills for work. We get young people ready for the world of work through simulating a real racing yard working environment, mirroring the jobs they will do and the hours they will work. We provide CV writing, mock interviews, visits to racing yards, the races and guest speakers from the industry.

Soft Skills. Through dedicated pastoral care and using their passion for caring for horses as a vehicle, our young people are supported to increase their personal development in areas such as confidence, self-esteem, teamwork and resilience.

Opportunity. 98% of our young people go on to secure sustained employment as a result of our support. We work in partnership with employers throughout the UK to provide apprenticeships and BRS staff continue to support them once they have entered the workplace.

What do we do?

Our educational approach is founded on partnerships; with other schools, training providers, employers, charities and racing industry experts and representatives. Our courses for young people include:

Foundation Courses. For 16-24 year-olds, our Foundation Courses range from 6-18 weeks depending on a young person's experience with horses. These include ground-based courses for those who do not wish to ride. The courses equip young people with all the knowledge and skills required to complete an apprenticeship.

Flexible Learning Programme. For pupils in years 10 and 11, this course supports young people who attend one day per week during term time to gain experience over two years with the aim of achieving a Level 2 Diploma and employment within racing when they leave school.

Newmarket Pony Academy. Our brand-new academy provides both five-day educational programmes, after-school clubs and holiday clubs for primary school aged children. The programmes give them hands-on experience with ponies for the first time, whilst completing equine study workbooks underpinned by English, Maths and Science.

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