School of Hard Knocks delivers programmes aimed at pupils between the ages of 13 and 16 who have been subject to exclusion in the past, are educationally disengaged or face possible permanent exclusion. They deliver to 100 children across schools in deprived areas of London, Cardiff and Fife where they use rugby together with their psychologically-based individual development and 1-on-1 mentoring programme to work on issues like low confidence, poor self-control, difficulties with social cohesion and problems communicating effectively. They use rugby coaching and mentoring every week of the school year, beginning the programme during school time and then we run after-school sessions during the crucial GCSE years.

Their coaches teach the game of rugby union and use SOHK’s unique psychology and values-led approach to teach character and positive attitudes. They make sure the same staff work with the same children every week, to enable a consistent intervention with children who might otherwise become NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training). 

This on-pitch activity is underpinned by a variety of off-field mentoring, whether that is one-to-one mentoring of students, managed conversations with the schools’ pastoral staff or even accompanying students in lessons to provide focus and support with challenges such as giving presentations or completing written work.

SOHK for Schools

• 94% of our at-risk pupils avoid permanent exclusion
• 62% fall in behavioural referrals across all schools
• 66% increase in punctuality 
• 50% improvement in attendance
• 100% of students sat at least 5 GCSEs
• 44% achieved A*-C in English or Mathematics