Q. I do not meet the weight requirements or I do not wish to ride?

A. If you are interested in working with racehorses and do not meet the entry requirements other opportunities may exist. The National Stud offer the breeding option of the Apprenticeship in Racehorse Care for further details contact Xavier Lam at The National Stud. If you are working full time in a racing yard and do not wish to ride please contact Aimee Hockley on 01638 665103 selecting option 1.


Q. I have a degree, can I still apply for the Foundation Apprenticeship?

A. Unfortunately we are unable to accept trainees for the Foundation Apprenticeship who have gained a university degree. There are many other courses that we offer though which may be of interest so either visit our courses page or contact Clare Adams on 01638 665103 selecting option 2.


Q. I am not from an EU or EEA Country, can I still apply for the Foundation Apprenticeship?

A. See our Overseas Candidates page or contact Aimee Hockley on 01638 665103 selecting option 1.


Q. Once I have applied, what happens next?

A. We will process your application and if you are eligible you will be invited to attend an interview at The British Racing School in Newmarket. This will give you an opportunity to view the School. You will have an interview, typically with the Director and the Senior Yard Instructor, and it is a good idea to bring your record of achievement and any references that you have obtained. If you are already working in a racing yard it is important that you obtain a reference from the Trainer PRIOR to attending the interview. After the interview you will be informed within 7 days if you have gained a place.


Q. If I am eligible will I automatically get a place at The British Racing School?

A. No, we have more applications for the Foundation Apprenticeship than we have places. You will need to demonstrate to us that you keen to work in racing and willing to learn.


Q. I already work for a Racehorse Trainer, can I still apply for the Foundation Apprenticeship?

A. Yes, in fact, under the Rules of Racing, if you are aged between 16 and 18 years and want to work in a Trainers yard you are required to undergo this training. If you are working in a trainers yard we would suggest that you contact Aimee Hockley on 01638 665103 to discuss your situation .


Q. Why should I pick The British Racing School?

A. The British Racing School is a purpose built training centre on the outskirts of Newmarket, the Head Quarters of British horseracing. It is set in 120 acres of Suffolk countryside and is the only purpose built training facility of its type in Britain with the Adult Learning Inspectorate grading of 1; Outstanding. The facilities include Indoor school; 2½ furlong round all weather gallop, 7 furlong straight all weather and grass gallops, 50 acre grass gallops, Stalls and schooling fences, Equicisors and horse simulators, Radio instruction system while riding, Video recording of riding for performance analysis and Classrooms with state of the art technology. Read what our Past Students have said about the training and our facilities.


Q. Do we bring Pillows and Bedding?

A. No, we provide all your bedding and towels.


Q. Should we bring anything other than our riding clothes?

A. Yes, we would advise that you bring casual clothes for the evenings and weekends. Also you may wish to bring smart clothing as you may get the opportunity to go racing while you are at the School. If you are accepted onto a course you will be sent joining instructions which gives a full kit list.


Q. Do we need to bring any food?

A. You will be provided with a full breakfast, lunch, evening meal and supper. All meals have been passed by our nutritionalist. There is a tuck shop which sells snacks but if there is a particular food type that you like you can bring this. There is a toaster and microwave in your common room.


Q. Is there a TV that we can watch?

A. Your common room is equipped with 50inch widescreen television with Sky TV. You also have computers so that you can access the internet, a pool table, table football and an air hockey table. You may wish to bring your ipod/MP3 player or portable CD player but this is done so at your own risk. The British Racing School can not be held responsible for your personal belongings. These can only be used during your lunch hour or in the evenings after lectures.


Q. I have tried to contact The British Racing School by telephone but have been unsuccessful, what can I do?

A. If you have been unable to speak to a member of the recruitment team despite leaving a message please contact the Finance Director, Gemma Dawson on 01638 675903 and state that this has been the case.


Q. Can I do an NVQ1 in Racehorse Care?

A. Although we offer the NVQ for 14-15 year olds as part of the Flexible Learning Programme we do not offer it for Foundation Course students. We believe that only the NVQ2 syllabus can prepare you for working in full-time employment in the industry and to be able to work relatively independently from day one of employment. We deliver the majority of the NVQ2 qualifications gained in Racehorse Care in Great Britain and the NVQ2 is linked to the pay grade in racing, unlike the Level 1.

The following are tips from previous students:

"Bring deep heat for aching muscles!"
"Bring change for the tuck shop"
"You can only wear stud earrings, no facial piercings"
"It's hard work but fun, and no matter what your experience you will feel useless to start with! But it does get better!!!"
"You don't need a hat silk so don't buy a new one to come here"