About
Us
a national education charity tackling
the school engagement crisis
levelLing the playing field
Every child deserves the chance to succeed at school and fulfil their potential. Yet too many young people are disengaging from education.
According to research by IPPR, children in England lost a record 34 million days of learning in 2023/24 – a crisis reflected across the entire UK. Without early, targeted support these students risk falling through the cracks, leaving school behind and carrying lasting disadvantage into adulthood. School Of Hard Knocks (SOHK) exists to change that.
the NEED
With school attendance falling and exclusions rising, the UK faces a growing education crisis. In 2023/24, 1 in 5 pupils was persistently absent. These students are twice as likely to end up “NEET” after leaving school, directly driving the crisis that leaves over one million young people (ages 16–24) ‘not in education, employment, or training’ today.
Schools are struggling to cope as poverty, trauma, instability, and mental health challenges increasingly pull students away from learning. SOHK provides the vital early intervention these young people need – building the trust, resilience, and skills required to stay engaged and thrive.
the sohk approach
Established in 2012, School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) provides proven, long-term support for students in England, Wales and Scotland aged 11 to 16 at risk of disengaging from education.
Through a unique combination of rugby, 1:1 mentoring, and personal development delivered intensively over two years, our trauma-informed practitioners help young people build essential social-emotional skills. Together, these elements empower students to improve their attendance, behaviour, and overall wellbeing at school.
“I’m very grateful that my son has had the opportunity to participate in this excellent programme. He is excited to attend school and eager to do well with the programme.”
— Parent of SOHK Participant
OUR IMPACT
School Of Hard Knocks (SOHK) is a leading UK education charity using
an evidence-based approach to re-engage students.
1055
students supported
in 2025-26
28
partner schools
uk-wide
2
–
3
years of dedicated
support
100
hours of rugby
every year
The SOHK Difference
The SOHK model combines:
rugby
sessions
Sport for resilience, communication & teamwork
1:1
mentoring
1-2-1 and group support from trained practitioners
personal
development
Personal development: grows confidence & skills for life
Together, these elements help students develop the skills and resilience they need to engage and succeed in education, for a brighter future.
When confidence clicks
Jane’s Journey
“Jane is so much more comfortable in the group now and gets involved in every aspect of the sessions. The best part? We’ve seen far fewer unauthorised absences. Way to go Jane!”
— JANE, SOHK Participant, Age 13
At just 13, Jane* was already carrying more than most. As a result of hearing disabilities, she struggles to concentrate in class, leaving her feeling anxious, isolated, and increasingly absent from school. When she joined SOHK, she was unsure about how rugby would work with her hearing aid, or whether she would fit in at all.
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