Whether you're aspiring to be the next Great Britain rowing sensation, a future professional rowing coach, or simply wish to hone your rowing skills alongside your academic pursuits, our program represents a distinctive collaborative effort with the GB Rowing Team's 'Start' Program and Gloucester Rowing Club. It is tailored to identify and nurture the next generation of Olympic rowing champions.
Athletes and coaches at Hartpury College benefit from exceptional land-based training facilities, complemented by water-based training sessions hosted at Gloucester Rowing Club's state-of-the-art £1.6 million boathouse. Furthermore, our program grants access to support through British Rowing's esteemed World Class Start talent identification initiative.
Hartpury College boasts an impressive track record in the development of rowers, preparing them not only for success within the sport but also for thriving careers beyond. Our students have proudly represented Great Britain at both junior and U23 levels, while our alumni have made their mark on the international stage at U23 and Senior World Championships. Our rowing crews have consistently clinched national titles at prestigious events such as Henley Royal Regatta, National Schools, and the British Championships.
Prepare to learn from some of the most esteemed coaches within the Hartpury community. We are deeply committed to supporting you in achieving excellence in both your academic studies and your rowing endeavours. Your timetable is thoughtfully designed with your needs in mind, ensuring you derive maximum benefit from your academic qualifications and training regimen. In addition to weekly coaching sessions led by dedicated professionals, you'll have the chance to compete at the highest levels of university sport.
"I had no previous experience in rowing and the academy was great, providing strength and conditioning, physio support and top class coaching. Also, through the GB ‘Start’ Programme, I had regular opportunities to test myself against more experienced rowers, which really helped to push me on."
Sarah Bonar, Hartpury student, Great Britain Junior International
"I had no previous experience in rowing and the academy was great, providing strength and conditioning, physio support and top class coaching. Also, through the GB ‘Start’ Programme, I had regular opportunities to test myself against more experienced rowers, which really helped to push me on."
Sarah Bonar, Hartpury student, Great Britain Junior 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.
With representation in the top echelons of women's rugby - the Premier 15s and BUCS National League - coupled with previous BUCS championship victories, our university women's rugby team is truly exceptional. Guided by England star Natasha Hunt, we've proudly produced talents like Zoe Aldcroft, crowned World Rugby Women's 15s Player of the Year 2021.
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.
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.
We provide unwavering support to athletes participating at the highest levels of their national governing body talent pathways, encompassing a wide spectrum of sports, including athletics, biathlon, cricket, swimming, and more.
Our partners & accreditations
