• Are you an EU citizen between 16 - 22 years old?
  • Do you weigh less than 9st 7lbs/60kg and physically fit?
  • Are you looking for an exciting career?

If the answer is YES you are in the right place!


The British Racing School delivers the Foundation Apprenticeship completely FREE and we GUARANTEE YOU A JOB in racing! The course is suitable for all abilities, even if you are a COMPLETE BEGINNER, all you need to do is show us you are keen to work in racing and willing to learn.

Qualification and Training


You will join us at The British Racing School in Newmarket for a 9 week residential programme where you will complete Pre Apprenticeship training. This will teach you to ride and take care of racehorses to prepare you for working in the racing industry as well as doing Functional Skills Maths and English where necessary. You will then be placed in a racing yard where you will complete your Level 2 Diploma in Racehorse Care with support from our Workplace Instructors. You will need to commit to working in a racing yard for a minimum of 18 months to complete the apprenticeship and gain your qualifications.

We have several videos available for you to watch.

If you are a potential student, please click here.

If you are a parent, please click here.

Or, if you are a teacher or careers advisor, please click here.


 

To find out more about the Level 2 course
click here

 

For information on Overseas Candidates click here

Foundation Courses
Code Date End Date
268 26 November 2012 28 January 2013
269 10 December 2012 25 February 2013
270 28 January 2013 01 April 2013
270 28 January 2013 01 April 2013
271 25 February 2013 29 April 2013
272 01 April 2013 03 June 2013
273 29 April 2013 28 June 2013
274 03 June 2013 26 August 2013
275 22 July 2013 23 September 2013
276 26 August 2013 28 October 2013
277 23 September 2013 25 November 2013
278 28 October 2013 23 December 2013
279 25 November 2013 27 January 2014
280 16 December 2013 03 March 2014
281 27 January 2014 31 March 2014

5 Week Introductory Course

If you are a complete beginner or have very little experience with horses you may be offered the option to come on a 5 week course which is a Level 1 Diploma in Racehorse Care. This course is run at a slower pace than the 9 week course and allows for a more graduated introduction to riding and racing. Whether you are offered a place on a 9 week or 5 week course will be determined at your interview (should you be offered one).

It is hoped that progression from the Level 1 course will be onto the 9 week Foundation course and then into employment in a racing yard but this will not always be the case. For those who, for a variety of reason, do not choose racing, we hope that they will use what they have learnt here to find employment in some other equine discipline. In addition to the Level 1 qualification students will also study for and sit the Award in the Knowledge of the Racing Industry Exam.

Why racing?

1 - Racing is exciting!

Join over 3,300 people who work in racing all over the country and experience the adrenaline rush of riding racehorses at speed.

2 - Work with top class, valuable animals.

You will be key part of developing some of the best thoroughbreds in the world in a professional environment. Imagine the thrill of seeing your horse which you have ridden and looked after every day win a big race and lead it into the winners enclosure. Racing also offers opportunities to travel throughout the UK and worldwide.

Typical Day

3 - The best training and career opportunities

The Racing industry offers real opportunities to progress your career and gain more qualifications, plus the pay structure in racing is linked to qualifications so you will be rewarded for your achievements. Whether you dream of being a trainer, a professional jockey or working in the administration and managements side of the industry there is training available each step of the way. Have a look at the rest of our courses for information on careers in racing or contact us for an informal chat about what opportunities there are for you.

4 - Good pay and conditions

Racing is a very well regulated industry. This means that minimum rates of pay are set and you will be paid overtime for extra hours worked and Sunday racing. There is even a pension scheme and an accident benefit scheme. For more details on the Racing Pay Structure see the National Trainers Federation website.

5 - Guaranteed job

Completion of the training at the BRS leads to a guaranteed job. As far as we know, we are the only training provider who can offer this.

"The British Racing School has been something I will always remember. I am truly grateful for all the help, advice and support I have had from everybody here. Mrs Cogan has been one of the most patient, calm and happy instructors I have ever known. If it wasn't for her support, I don't know how I would have coped. Mr Conlon is just brilliant! He has been a great help and has made learning things some of us already know, fun and witty.

Everyone in the hostel has been very nice, and caring and I can feel I can talk to them about anything on my mind.

Everybody who has taught and looked after me for 9 weeks has been brilliant and without such nice people in a happy atmosphere I wouldn't have lasted!" 9 week foundation course student, graduated November 2009.

"It is the first time in my life I have enjoyed being educated" 9 week foundation course student, graduated December 2009