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Are you under 16? The British Racing Schools Flexible Learning Programme
The Flexible Learning Programme (FLP) is a 2 year course offered to 14-16 year olds as a one day release in conjunction with West Suffolk College*.
There are currently two courses running:
Year one - Level 1 Diploma (formerly NVQ1 - School year 10)
Year two - Level 2 Diploma (formerly NVQ2 - School year 11)
10 lucky students gain places on this programme each year.
Year one
During this first year the students will learn how to ride a quiet racehorse, change hands and ride a canter in pose position.
They will have lectures and practical lessons about most aspects in horse care.
At the end of the 1st school year they will have achieved passes in all modules which are needed to pass the Level 1 Diploma.
Year two
In the 2nd year the students return and will work towards their Level 2 Diploma in racehorse care.
They will ride an ex-racehorse up the 7 furlong straight canter, have practical lessons and lectures in all aspects of looking after a racehorse. Modules assessed range from preparing horses for exercise both ridden and non ridden, health and well being of the horse and taking horses racing.
Students at this level will be required to work part-time within a racing environment to ensure all levels of the course are completed to gain their Level 2 Diploma.
Several recent students have finished this FLP programme at the end of their last school year, and within weeks of leaving school have came back to the BRS and completed a Jockeys Apprentice and Amateur Courses.
* Currently Samuel Ward Upper School and Technology College, Newmarket College, Mildenhall College of Technology, Great Cornard Upper School and Kind Edward VI Upper School are the School's offering this Scheme, if you do not attend one of these Schools but are interested in the Flexible Learning Programme you can speak to the teachers at your School and show them this website or contact Jaki Houston-Campbell on jakihc@brs.org.uk tel: 01638 665103 Ext. 224
Do you want to come on FLP but do not live in the Newmarket area?
We are now running a boarding option for the FLP programme whereby students board at the British Racing School, attend a local school 4 days a week, attend the British Racing School 1 day a week and ride out for a Newmarket trainer each morning.
For more information on what is involved with the private boarding option please contact Jaki Houston-Campbell on 01638 665103
Age: 18
Height: 5ft 5
Weight: 7 st 12 lb
Apprentice to: Michael Bell
Wins: 51
Best win to date: Juniper Girl in the John Smith's Northumberland Plate at Newcastle
Heroes in Racing: Lester Piggott
Ambition: To break into top ten jockey in next 10 years
What do you think about the FLP programme
"It gives you a huge advantage if you want to be a jockey and gives you a good kick start into the racing industry. The BRS are great at teaching you both the riding and the stable skills needed to work in racing!"
Age: 18
Height: 5ft 4
Weight: 8st 2lb
Apprentice to: Stuart Williams
Wins: 14
Best win to date: Very Well Red in the George Kilburn Memorial Handicap at Beverley
Heroes in Racing: Keiren Fallon
Ambition: To be champion Jockey
What do you think about the FLP programme:
"It's a completely different aspect from your normal School life, you learning something unique and it gives you new skills that most people wouldn't get the opportunity to obtain at that age. It definitely gives you a real headstart in racing opening up more job opportunities than other 16 year old starting out in the industry that haven't been to The British Racing School"
Age: 18
Height: 5ft 4
Weight: 8St
Apprentice to: Neville Callaghan
Wins: 1
Best win to date: Summer Charm in the Mar-Key Group Apprentice Handicap at Newbury
Heroes in Racing: Jimmy Fortune
Ambition: To become successful
What do you think about the FLP programme:
"I would definitely give it the go ahead to anyone who wants to be in racing, I owe a lot to the instructors at The British Racing School and wouldn't be where I am now if I hadn't attended the Flexible Learning Programme."