JOINING theAcademy

The application process is outlined below. The academic interview and rugby trial can take place in any order, and applications can be adjusted at any time.

Am I eligible?

All members of the rugby academy programme must be enrolled as a student at Oaklands College. Students must be 16 or 17 years old on 1st September of the year of entry.

The College welcomes applications from applicants from all over the world, although non-EU and Commonwealth students will be eligible for full tuition fees.

Places may be offered on the programme subject to successful application for residential accommodation, which cannot be guaranteed at the time of offer.

Students who wish to join the Academy need to be registered on a course with Oaklands College. Applicants choose to join the Academy at the time of application.

The academic interview and rugby trial can take place in any order and applications can be adjusted at any time.

Am I suitable?

Studentsapplyingfortherugbyprogramme areexpectedtohaveaparticulardedication towards improving as rugby players, students and as people.

A deep-rooted passion for the game is the starting point for any successful rugby player, accompanied by a willingness to work hard on all aspects of their game.

Believe it or not even rugby can become tiresome and monotonous when you do so much of it, so perseverance and self-discipline are vital attributes.

What is the student expectation?

Students on the programme are expected to be self-motivated, and will be guided to become independent and self-organised in all aspects of their life.

The rugby programme constitutes a significant time commitment on top of your academic studies, and learning to balance all aspects of the programme and day to day life are key to success day-to-day.

Residential

The college has a limited number of residential accommodation spaces available for students who live further afield.

Should you wish to apply for residential accommodation at the College, this should be included in the online application when prompted. Detailed residential application packs will then be distributed for completion and places will be allocated in June.

JoelKpoku

BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport

Scholarships & Bursaries

We have a scholarship fund which helps support gifted players with living, travel or kit costs. Scholarship allocations are assessed and offered on an individual basis, and fulfilling the eligibility criteria does not necessarily guarantee an offer of a scholarship.

Additionally for students from lowincome families, financial support may be available to support with these costs. For more information, contact us via email at bursary@oaklands.ac.uk or call

“I really enjoyed the course as it required a lot of hard work and dedication which suited me. It stretched me as a player and developed me as a person.

Coaches are always available if I wanted to do extras or go through video or lineout calls for example, coaches were always on hand to help with my studies. I found that the rugby programme at Oaklands College allowed me to express myself better and as a result, I am far more confident both on and off the pitch.”

Since finishing his course at Oaklands, Joel has gone on to sign a professional contract with Premiership Rugby champions; Saracens, whilst also featuring for England Under 20s and being selected for senior England training.