SOHK participant Jane lives with mild hearing loss in both ears. A setting like SOHK made her nervous at first - but then Jane discovered her own passion, power, and persistence - and it's paying off every single session. Read more
We interview Scottish Rugby player Rhea Clarke about what rugby has meant to her and about what charities like School Of Hard Knocks (SOHK) mean for young players today. Read more
Boundaries done well, build trust, safety and growth. That is why our early intervention schools’ programme focuses so much on trust built through structure. Read more
School Of Hard Knocks publishes its latest Impact Report spanning the charity's work from throughout the 2024/25 academic year. Read more
Wednesday 13th May saw more than 275 of our young SOHK participants at Broadwood Stadium in literal rain, hail and shine for our 4th annual SOHK Scotland Rugby Festival. Read more
Across two action‑packed tournaments on the last days of April 2026, over 110 pupils from schools across Wales came together to compete, work together and celebrate their successes on the SOHK programme. Read more
SOHK participant Lily struggled with a complicated home life which affected her schooling. Once SOHK was introduced, Lily realised that her future wasn't as lost as she thought it was. Read more
In March 2026, we held our Scotland East and West Mini Rugby Tournaments - events which help our students put what they've learned into practice. Read more
Our annual girls’ and boys’ Spring rugby tournaments are back! The tournaments held at Eton Manor RFC in March saw nearly 350 young people from the charity’s school programmes take to the pitch to show off their skills. Read more
This December, we’re asking you to #SKIPTHEPRESENTS and stand with the young people who are so often left behind while the rest of the world celebrates. Please help us give young people what they deserve: a future they can believe in. Every donation will be doubled! Read more
UK school attendance is at record lows. Explore why absences are rising, what the consequences are, and solutions School of Hard Knocks are taking to tackle persistent absenteeism and encourage kids to come to schools. Read more
School Of Hard Knocks’ (SOHK) Life President, Deborah Griffin OBE, has been appointed the first female President by the RFU Council. Read more
The 2025 school year has come to an end across the UK – hurrah! - and we’re both thrilled and encouraged by the outstanding performance reports coming in from our partner schools. Read more
28 cyclists. 200km cycled. More than £30,000 raised. We are blown away by the support, strength, and spirit shown by everyone involved in the IOW Cycle Ride! Read more
If you’ve ever watched a student erupt in frustration or shut down entirely, you’ve probably asked yourself: what’s really going on beneath the surface? Read more
Alys was part of a big friendship group that “messed around a lot” and often got into trouble. Her relationships with teachers were sometimes strained, and her confidence and self-esteem were low. Through weekly sessions with SOHK, things began to change. Even Alys says her behaviour has improved massively! Read more
Asher sees SOHK as a place where he can relax and be himself. “People used to take advantage of me,” he says. “Not anymore. I’ve got more confidence now and even work better with people I don’t know.” Read more
Malia* has been part of the School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) programme for over two years. Now in Year 9, she speaks with pride and a growing sense of self-belief about how far she’s come – and how different her relationship with school looks today. Read more
Lowri credits the programme for helping her reflect on her choices and find ways to cope. “Just letting me talk about the situation… even if you didn’t care, just acting like you did care helped. It made me feel like I was more understood instead of people telling me I’ll be fine...” Read more
To fulfil their potential, a young person needs the right support system. In this Q&A, Senior SEL Lead Claire Hawes gives us a powerful look into what that support looks like in action, and why more schools are turning to SOHK to transform student wellbeing and engagement. Read more
Over 175 students from nine schools across Glasgow, Fife, West Lothian, and beyond came together at Broadwood Stadium, Cumbernauld, for our third annual Spring School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) Scotland Rugby Festival. Read more
Over 150 boys and girls from five schools across South Wales came together at Caerau Ely Rugby Club at the beginning of May for the School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) Wales Spring Rugby Festival – a two-day celebration of sport, teamwork, and personal growth. Read more
Investec has strengthened its partnership with School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) Charity by supporting its annual girls’ and boys’ Spring rugby tournaments. The tournaments held at Eton Manor RFC in March, saw nearly 300 young people from the charity’s school programmes take to the pitch to show off their skills! Read more
School Of Hard Knocks (SOHK) is thrilled to celebrate the valued support of The Clarkson Foundation, whose generous contributions are helping us make a lasting difference in the lives of young people. The Foundation’s dedication to supporting SOHK’s resilience-building programme at two of our schools in London is having a profound impact on students at these critical stages in their lives. Read more
We are thrilled to welcome Shaunagh Brown as a Trustee of School of Hard Knocks (SOHK)! Shaunagh Brown is a true game-changer - an elite athlete, former England rugby star, firefighter, and a powerful voice for inclusion. She's spent her career breaking down barriers, and we know Shaunagh will bring that same drive and leadership to SOHK, helping us level the playing field for young people who need it most. Read more
Just before the Scottish mid-term break, we were thrilled to bring together around 100 enthusiastic young pupils (and teachers!) from four schools - Newbattle High School, Dalkeith High School, Lochgelly High School, and Craigmount High School - at Lasswade RFC in Bonnyrigg for our East of Scotland Schools Mini Rugby Tournament. The event provided a fantastic opportunity for the boys and girls to display their rugby ability and newly acquired team-building skills while having fun with the Read more
The Annual School Of Hard Knocks (SOHK) Long Lunch has shattered records, raising an unprecedented £161,000 in a single afternoon to support young people facing significant life challenges. This milestone ensures that more boys and girls across the U.K. who are struggling in their education will gain access to SOHK’s transformational sports and mentoring programme, helping to build confidence, resilience, and brighter futures. Read more
Facing the risk of exclusion, Mo joined the SOHK programme, which became a turning point in his journey. Since joining, Mo has shown incredible resilience and commitment. He has immersed himself in the programme, finding an outlet for his anger and a break from the challenges of school. Read more
At School of Hard Knocks (SOHK), we understand that education is about so much more than grades and exams – it’s about giving young people the tools to navigate life. Our Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programme comes in here, helping young people face challenges that schools often can't address. Read more
Despite her resilience, repeated home-life changes left her feeling abandoned and distrustful of adults. At school, she struggled and was often perceived as defiant, putting her at risk of exclusion. Despite her challenges, she remained determined to find some stability. While her initial attitude was one of resistance. Chloe has committed 100% attendance from the beginning... Read more
This year’s SOHK annual rugby tournament was one for the books! Hosted at legendary Harrow School, the day was a fantastic mix of teamwork, resilience, and community spirit. Read more
We were thrilled to see over 120 amazing young people from SOHK schools in Scotland get together to have fun and at our recent West Coast Schools Mini Rugby Tournament... Read more
"I’m starting to feel like I belong here. It’s not easy, but I feel stronger and more confident, and am starting to trust people more." By focusing on her strengths and pairing her with supportive students, Gaia’s confidence grew. Four months into the programme, she has built strong relationships with her peers and staff and now receives support from the school’s pastoral team. Read more
"I never thought I'd actually look forward to school." Joseph has told the team that SOHK has had a significant impact on his school experience. He feels more confident and looks forward to sharing his weekly experiences with his mentor. He now feels better equipped to handle bullying and has a trusted adult he can approach when he feels unsafe or targeted. Read more
“I’m learning to be strong for myself. Even when things are hard, I want to keep going. SOHK has helped me feel like I have people who care.” Throughout her time with SOHK, Maura has shown remarkable resilience. Despite her challenges, she remains engaged, displaying determination and resilience... Read more
"SOHK has helped me believe in myself again. I used to get so frustrated, but now I know how to stay calm, talk to someone, and get back in the game.”Two years into the programme, Ryan has absolutely flourished both on and off the field. His rugby ability has greatly improved, and he has developed strong coping mechanisms, demonstrating emotional regulation and resilience... Read more
“I didn’t think I’d be good at this, but now I love it.” The steady support of SOHK has helped her feel seen, valued, and increasingly confident. On the pitch, Sam has gone from questioning, “Why should I?” to giving her all and achieving recognition awards. Her school has noticed a difference... Read more
“When this 6”5 man broke down in floods of tears in a park on an SOHK course, it was clear that the tipping-point had finally been reached.” Read about Jorge's transformation from hardship and homelessness to employment and security. Read more
“Can you stay until I leave school in S6?”. Thomas' relationship with his SOHK mentors was not always so good. Before SOHK, he was struggling at school and was often disruptive, but learning rugby helped Thomas flourish and improve his behaviour and wellbeing. Read more
Read about Josie's experience volunteering with SOHK Wales at Maesteg School and how it has helped her navigate the next few steps on her career path. Read more
Shaun was doubtful of his own abilities and uncertain about what SOHK would bring. He felt helpless and was uncomfortable sharing his problems. The adults programme has since been transformative in his life. Through rugby, he has overcome his previous injuries and lack of confidence to gain friendships and a fresh perspective. Read on to hear his inspirational story. Read more
We are living in the golden age of podcasts. Podcasts are perfect to listen to whilst taking a long walk, cooking or doing daily chores but with so much out there it's difficult to know where to start. No fear - School of Hard Knocks has got you covered. We've created a list of our favourite sports-based (mainly rugby!) podcasts for you to enjoy. Have a scroll, then plug in and chill out. Read more
Lisa is one of the many people who has felt the effects of Covid-19 and the jobs crisis. Every opportunity she thought would be a new start seemed to lead to disappointment. Take a look at how SOHK's Back in the Game course helped her move forward. Read more
We’ve curated a short list of inspiring and thought-provoking sports-based documentaries - and School of Hard Knocks would know all about that having started as one! So, have a gander and stick something other than The Confession Tapes on the tele. Read more
Joe signed up to School of Hard Knocks’ Adult Course through a volunteering programme; he was both excited and anxious on his first day. Having become accustomed to a fairly isolated lifestyle, he found being in groups uncomfortable. Despite these initial concerns he felt welcome, valued and understood by the people around him. He found that he shared experiences with many other participants and could be himself without judgement. For the first time he felt like he was part of a team. Read more
Earlier this month School of Hard Knocks held its first ever online auction. We had some incredible lots on offer such as an hour with rugby legend Sam Warburton and our most popular auction item - a signed Finn Russell shirt. Thanks to your support we are thrilled to announce that SOHK's Summer Auction has raised a grand total of £20,000! These funds will go towards empowering individuals facing social inequality and ensuring that no child or adult is ever left behind. Read more
The physical element of our Adult Courses was why Aggie started at School of Hard Knocks, but the people were why she stayed. She found that though her course-mates had different stories, their experience of life was very similar to her own. Aggie felt understood by the people around her which subsequently engendered a supportive environment for her to thrive and fulfil her maximum potential. Read more
Jamie started on School of Hard Knocks’ Schools Programme just over a year ago. His behaviour had become unmanageable at school and he constantly found himself in trouble. Since starting the programme Jamie’s behaviour and way of thinking has changed dramatically. Jamie’s teachers not only find him much easier to handle, but have noticed that he contributes positively in lessons, asks insightful questions and has more respect for others. Read more
When we met Jo just under eleven months ago, her attendance at school was well below average. She had started to find it increasingly difficult to control her emotions, which in turn caused her relationships with peers and teachers to suffer. Eleven months since starting on SOHK's Schools Programme and Jo now feels much happier, more confident and secure in herself. Read more
When we met Karen in January, she had a lung condition called COPD which was gradually getting worse. She was a heavy smoker and was rarely active. Upon completing SOHK's Adult Course, Karen not only found a job that she now loves but also found an incredible passion for rugby. She decided to further explore her newfound love for the sport and took part in a homeless rugby initiative where she played at Murrayfield stadium during half-time between Edinburgh and Ulster in front of 5,000 fans. Read more
When Lisa started on School of Hard Knocks’ Adult Course, she felt as though she wasn’t doing anything with her life. She spent her days alone inside her house and had few people to talk to which impacted negatively on her mental health and caused her to develop poor self-esteem. Just under a year later and Lisa has completely transformed. She has gone back to playing rugby and has continued to meet up with her SOHK course-mate. Read more
When School of Hard Knocks started working with Macy on the Schools Programme, she was getting involved in fights on a regular basis. Not knowing how to handle her behaviour, Macy's school recommended she get involved with SOHK. Each week the team found a new way to engage Macy more and more with the rugby sessions so as to help her improve her confidence both on and off the pitch. Macy now mentors other students, trains with Quins Girls Rugby and dreams of playing internationally for Wales. Read more
School of Hard Knocks is excited to be working with The Welsh Rugby Union to help individuals find a renewed sense of purpose and employment with our online, high-impact Back in the Game Course. Read more
In Partnership with Cloud Digital, Positive Transformation and Mrs Whelan’s soaps School of Hard Knocks have been donated 500 artisan soaps Read more
We're excited to announce that from Wednesday 26th August to Friday 4th September School of Hard Knocks will be holding its first ever online auction! We are aiming to raise a total of £30,000 from our online Summer Auction, to ensure that we are able to reach and support children and adults for many more years to come. Read more
Just over under a month ago we officially launched our new partnership with consulting firm Moorhouse. Read more
As a direct response to those who have lost their jobs as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, School of Hard Knocks have created a shortened, online and high impact version of our standard eight week course. Read more
School of Hard Knocks exists to empower and support individuals facing social inequality, and we need to do that in every aspect of our work. It is our job to step up and dismantle unjust systems that have pervaded our society for years. We have made a commitment to continue with and deepen the conversations we are currently having internally, and actively look for ways to turn talk into action. Read more
I’m writing to you today because we urgently need your help.The lockdown, caused by the Coronavirus, has hit School of Hard Knocks pretty hard and has placed real strain on our resources and finances. I’m not saying we’ve been knocked down; let’s call it a pretty hefty blow! But if there is ever a time we have to practice what we preach, it is now. Why? Because I honestly believe that the need for our work in the UK will soon be greater, by some distance, than at any other time in our existence. Read more
This week is Nutrition and Hydration Week, so we thought we’d share some of work we do around nutrition in schools. Nutrition is a huge part of the personal development sessions we deliver within schools. Getting your nutrition right not only helps with physical health but also significantly contributes to one’s mental health, better preparing young people to succeed in school. We deliver a three-week block around this important topic in our Schools Programme. Read more
This International Women’s Day, School of Hard Knocks wants to get as many girls and women talking about their achievements as possible - and that includes YOU! We want you to take to Twitter and Instagram and post about what you are proud of using the hashtag #IAmProud. We’ll be sharing what some our own staff and participants are proud of, so keep your eyes peeled and don’t forget to tag us (@sohkcharity) into your own posts! Read more
We are delighted to announce that Comic Relief will be funding School of Hard Knocks’ Reaching Your Potential project for three years. Read more
School of Hard Knocks’ Scottish team joined Dunfermline RFC for their annual Burns Supper gathering to raise life-changing funds for both SOHK and the rugby club. School of Hard Knocks is so grateful to have such dedicated and generous supporters who share our belief that everyone should be given the opportunity to realise and fulfil their potential. The funds raised from the Burns Night Dinner will go towards empowering more children. Read more
We are thrilled to announce that School of Hard Knocks has officially broken the Guinness World Record for the longest ever of rugby union! Read more
Last week we held our second ever SOHK Awards ceremony at our offices in London. The SOHK Awards were created as a way to celebrate our participants’ development. Read more
At School of Hard Knocks we work hard to teach our young people about the impact of words and actions on other people. part of National Anti-Bullying Week, this week in Scotland we are delivering sessions designed to encourage young people to reflect on the impact of the words and actions they direct towards others. Read more
School of Hard Knocks is running a five-week course using rugby, boxing and mentoring to help unemployed adults to improve their confidence and wellbeing, and ultimately help them gain a career within the hospitality industry. Read more
Last week we welcomed 15 women and 26 men to the School of Hard Knocks family in Wales. Read more
SOHK exists to give people back their power by delivering impactful mentoring sessions and harnessing the values of high impact sport. We often work with people in areas of high deprivation who face significant barriers to leading healthy lives and gaining employment. We address the external issues participants face that perpetuate social exclusion and provide a holistic programme with substantial support on nutrition, financial capability, help with substance abuse and mental wellbeing. Read more
On Sunday 13 October SOHK held a fantastic fundraiser for the Scotland vs Japan game at the Caledonian Brewery. Read more
We are thrilled to have won the award for Best Innovative Use of Sport in the Not a Red Card Awards. The Not A Red Card Awards celebrate organisations and individuals that have developed and implemented best practices around addressing mental health in the workplace. At School of Hard Knocks we firmly believe that creating a positive workplace culture that engenders a sense of community is absolutely vital. Read more
We are delighted to announce that the Cardiff Central Funding partners will be financing the delivery of School of Hard Knocks’ adult courses across the Capital. Through our eight-week course, the funds will help change the lives of up to 50 people, enabling them to realise their unlimited potential. Read more
SOHK broke the Guinness World Record for the longest ever match of full-contact rugby, totalling 30.5 hours and raising almost £50,000 for charity! Read more
School of Hard Knocks and Lions Academy have launched summer coaching camps for August 2019! Read more
Our upcoming adults course will be held in Blaenau Gwent and begin on 2nd July! Read more
Have a read of one of our latest heartwarming success stories showing what can happen when we work together! Read more
One of our most dedicated Club Ambassadors, supporter and friend, Ross Hopcroft, has been recognised for his excellent work building a special partnership between Tabard RFC and SOHK. Read more
When we first met Ali, he was very hyperactive and badly behaved in lessons, often shouting out and being verbally aggressive towards other pupils. One day he told us his story... Read more
Read about out latest SOHK graduates from our Women's Adult Employability course, in Croydon. Hosted at Allianz, the women took to the stage to talk about what led each of them to SOHK. Read more
The changes in Connor have been astounding and show the very best that SOHK can do. Connor himself has seen how he has grown and changed... Read more
School of Hard Knocks' 'End of Dry January' Lunch has now earned its place as a permanent fixture on the charity's calendar after an overwhelming success of the event last week, marking it as the most successful fundraiser to date. Read more
End Of Dry January Smashes Fundraising Target Read more
Seeing things differently - Malcolm Johnson tells us how a learning he had a degenerative eye condition led him to find SOHK and feel part of a team again. Read more
SOHK for Schools pupils at Hertswood Academy paid a visit to Harrow School on Thursday 15th November to play some rugby! Read more
Meet one of our recent graduates from our Adult Employability course, Tom. He tells us why getting back into work has helped him restore his sense of self-worth. Read more
With coverage from Sky News, BBC 5 live and the Daily Mail it's been a week for recognition of the great work of our women's rugby courses. Read more
From across the country, the cream of SOHK participants gathered to be recognised for their hard work and inspiring achievements. Read more
£25k up for grabs - your FREE vote can be all the difference! Vote now and help SOHK reach more unemployed adults. Read more
Amazing success story credits SOHK mentor with helping him to make it as a professional athlete. Read more
Greg and Nathan ran 3 marathons between them for SOHK this weekend. Read more
School of Hard Knocks was delighted to host coaches from the Lesotho Rugby Academy at our SOHK for Schools programmes in London this week. Read more
SOHK ambassador Andy Grant's autobiography 'You'll Never Walk' is available now for pre-order Read more
England women's rugby start Danielle 'Nolli" Waterman leads a girls session at Bacon's College Read more
Jonny Graham raises £7K for the SOHK whilst braving the record temperatures of the London marathon. Read more
Liam came on our televised Cardiff course in 2015 - now he works for SOHK, changing lives every day through rugby. Read more
Mike was kicked out of school, lost his dad and wanted to provide for his family. Since attending SOHK, he has been working full-time. Read more
Pedro suffered dreadful abuse from his stepfather. He captained School of Hard Knocks Haringey, retrained and now works in IT. Read more
"This has been so fun. We all provide inspiration and support for each other." Read more
Sarah (not her real name) presented as unkempt, shy and unable to make eye contact. Now she has her self-confidence back and a host of new friends. Read more
Elliot used to make trouble for his classmates; now he makes trouble for the opposition on the rugby pitch. Read more
Frankie is a Year 11 in his third year of SOHK for Schools, at a school in East London. He now has the confidence to do everyday things. Read more
Holly (not her real name) is a Year 9 student at Cantonian High School, who has been engaged in the SOHK programme since September 2017 Read more
Lloyd is an adult participant in SOHK Cymru who has secured a place in September to study barbering at Cardiff and Vale College. Read more
Salwa would recommend School of Hard Knocks to anyone. She says it helped her to be herself again. Read more
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