At Hartpury College, we take immense pride in our track record of honing player skills while equipping them for a future beyond the rugby field. Prepare to learn from some of the finest coaches within the Hartpury community. We are deeply committed to supporting you in achieving excellence in both your academic pursuits and your rugby career. Our esteemed students have gone on to grace World Cup stages, proudly represent their nations, and compete at the pinnacle of women's rugby leagues.
Notably, our program has nurtured over 20 England Under-20s and 10 senior England squad members. Among our illustrious alumni stand Women's Rugby World Cup champions such as Alex Matthews and Ceri Large. Many players have also secured coveted full-time contracts in both 7s and 15s rugby.
Our international reach extends far and wide, with established connections in the USA, Hong Kong, France, and Canada, offering you opportunities to broaden your horizons by traveling and playing abroad. During your time with us, you'll also have the chance to gain invaluable work experience and forge connections that will shape your future career.
Your academic journey is meticulously tailored to ensure you extract the maximum value from your qualifications and training regimen. In addition to weekly coaching sessions led by our dedicated staff, you'll have the opportunity to compete against some of the nation's most formidable college teams.
Assessment Days
Our assessment days will be held on Thursday 31 October 2024 and Friday 21 February 2025, 10.00am – 3.00pm, for any prospective college students for the forthcoming academic year (September 2025). These assessment days are for rugby players who are looking to apply for an academic course here at Hartpury College and are designed to give both players and parents an introduction to the Women's Rugby Academy.
It is strongly advised that all those wishing to be part of the Women's Rugby Academy attend one of these days, as it is hoped that any unanswered questions regarding the rugby provision at Hartpury College will be able to be answered, in addition to students getting an initial feel for the level of the rugby programme that is provided.
Hartpury is proud to be a Rugby Football Union University Partner in recognition of its commitment to further enhancing the rugby experience for its students.
As the sport’s governing body in England, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) continues to give a huge endorsement to the work of its 14 partnership universities, which includes Hartpury, to develop rugby union.
"I had a great time at Hartpury and it definitely helped me as it provided a really high quality of coaching and gave me the opportunity to get one-on-one advice to help me achieve my individual goals."
Abbie Brown, GB Sevens at Rio 2016, England international
"I had a great time at Hartpury and it definitely helped me as it provided a really high quality of coaching and gave me the opportunity to get one-on-one advice to help me achieve my individual goals."
Abbie Brown, GB Sevens at Rio 2016, England international
Register your interest
Level 2 Extended Certificate General Sport
If you’re looking to transition to Level 3 study but don't have the grades to do so straight from school, our Level 2 sports course is for you. Our students learn through a mix of theoretical and practical sessions, including trips and work experience, to gain an understanding of the competitive sports industries. On successful completion, you could progress onto our Level 3 sports courses.
Level 3 Foundation Diploma Sport (PE and Coaching)
Prepare for a career in PE and sports coaching with this course. Learn through theoretical and practical sessions using our university level facilities. You’ll complete a seven-week work placement at a local primary school and deliver PE lessons.
Level 3 Extended Diploma Sport (Fitness)
If you’re looking for a career in the fitness industry or hoping to progress onto a higher education sports degree, then this two-year course provides an excellent foundation for your development towards your goals. You'll learn through a mix of theory-based and practical sessions including a mixture of fitness, instructing and sports science-based modules. In your first year, you will also complete your YMCA Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing.
Level 3 Extended Diploma Sport (Football)
Gain a grounding in all aspects of sport, with emphasis on performance and excellence in football. Develop your knowledge of football training techniques for a range of players, from children to professionals. You’ll examine your own game to ensure you improve as a player.
For over 15 years, Hartpury College has been the nurturing ground for more than 250 aspiring athletes who have gone on to achieve international acclaim. From equestrian champions at the Olympics to our triumphant men's and women's rugby and men's football teams in the BUCS leagues, we are dedicated to cultivating the finest sporting talent.
Our Equine Academy offers world-class coaching to empower our equestrian athletes in their pursuit of competitive careers. Notable graduates include Astier Nicolas, an Olympic medallist at Rio, and dressage sensation Olivia Oakeley.
Our student-led rugby team, Hartpury University RFC, takes center stage on our campus. It's no surprise that graduates like Jonny May, Alex Cuthbert, Seb Negri, Harry Randall, Jonny Hill, and Ben Vellacott have gone on to make their mark in the professional rugby world.
In both football and futsal, our teams are active participants in the BUCS league. Our students are not only regulars in the Women's Futsal Super Series, aired live on BT Sport, but also frequently feature in club sides competing in the National League.
Our senior football program stands among the finest in the UK. With 11 BUCS Premier League titles and five BUCS national championships under our belt, we have consistently produced remarkable talents. Graduates like Abdul Majeed Waris, David Accam, and Mustapha Bundu, who represented Sierra Leone in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, speak to our program's excellence.
Five former students and staff members earned coveted spots in Team GB's rowing squad for the Tokyo Olympics. Our achievements extend to numerous Home International appearances, victories at prestigious events like Henley Regatta, National Schools, and BUCS Regatta, all while maintaining a strong partnership with British Rowing.
Our presence in top-level BUCS leagues, the BUCS Golf Tour, and competitions sanctioned by The R & A attests to the quality of our Golf Academy. Notable successes include former student George Bryant's victories at the English and Welsh BUCS Golf Championships and Joe Buenfeld's triumph at the Junior European Open.
Led by netball luminary Jess Shaw, our Netball Academy has earned its reputation as a Team Bath Netball Academy Development Centre and BUCS league champion. Our students are also integral members of Netball Superleague teams.
Our partners & accreditations
