Aviva Community Fund - Vote Now!

Support SOHK in our bid for the Aviva Community Fund. We narrowly missed out in 2017, so let's make 2018 our year!

Simply register on the Aviva Website, pledge support with your ten votes, and know that you've made a difference. Registration is free and simple.

With courses running throughout the UK, SOHK changes the lives of children and adults using rugby, boxing and strongman courses, supported by a curriculum of powerful life lessons. SOHK works with unemployed adults to find and sustain employment, and with school children at risk of exclusion to help them re-engage with education.

Thank you for your support.

Latest

Trying Together

School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) works with over 30 schools in high areas of deprivation across the UK. We are looking for a number of Independent Schools to become SOHK Educational Partners so that no child is left behind due to a lack of funding.
Six Nations Tries & Fries: Women's Scotland V Italy Screening

Join the School of Hard Knocks charity for an thrilling Six Nations screening of the Scotland v Italy Women's match, a complimentary drink and mouthwatering crispy salted fries loaded with marinara sauce, basil and pepperoni! All proceeds go to SOHK's life-changing work!
Six Nations Mix & Mingle

Join School of Hard Knocks for an evening of networking, drinks and a special Q&A about the 2024 Six Nations with some special rugby guests!
The SOHK Honours Board

School of Hard Knocks takes pride in recognising the outstanding contributions of our generous donors who have played a pivotal role in supporting our mission. Our Honours Board celebrates their remarkable commitment to our beneficiaries.

SOHK Cymru’s exciting new partnership wIth The Prince’s Trust Cymru

SOHK Cymru’s exciting new partnership wIth The Prince’s Trust Cymru The past 10 years have seen School of Hard Knocks work with a number of different delivery partners to successfully reach and support more adults and young people across our UK bases. This year we are thrilled to be working in partnership with the Prince’s Trust Cymru, who are working with 16-25 year olds through their Explore programme.
VISTA Partnership

The School of Hard Knocks is delighted to announce a new partnership with VISTA (Valleys Innovation Showcase for Technological Advancement), a new business support initiative in the Blaenau Gwent region.
Quartz Partnership

We are thrilled that Quartz have selected us as their Charity of the Year for 2022/23. Quartz are Project Managers, Cost Consultants and Building Surveyors offering expert advice on all aspects of commercial and residential construction.
Admiral Partnership

We are delighted to welcome Admiral as our new partners in celebration of SOHK’s 10th Anniversary.
Baillie Gifford Partnership

SOHK Scotland is delighted to announce a three-year sponsorship of the SOHK for Schools programme by international investment management firm, Baillie Gifford.
SOHK's Must Listen Podcasts!

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.
SOHK's Must Watch Docs!

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.
Success for SOHK's Summer Auction!

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.
SOHK in Partnership with The WRU

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.
A Gift from the Clouds

In Partnership with Cloud Digital, Positive Transformation and Mrs Whelan’s soaps School of Hard Knocks have been donated 500 artisan soaps

About Us

School of Hard Knocks' mission is to empower individuals to fully realise their potential. We exist to empower and support individuals facing inequality.
SOHK Schools Programme

The SOHK Schools Programme consists of 2-3 hours of a unique combination of rugby-based sessions, specialist mentoring and indoor group discussion. Combined with the stability and consistency of the relationships that our staff build with the young people, SOHK enables participants to make positive changes to their behaviours, attitudes and mindset and gives them the ability to recognise their personal growth. We focus change on The 5Cs: Confidence, Control, Commitment, Communication & Cohesion
Adult Courses

School of Hard Knocks began with delivery to unemployed adults, and it remains the core of our work today. We are passionate about achieving our mission of empowering people to fully realise their potential and we deliver life-changing eight-week programmes to adults in challenging circumstances.
Ken Cowen - CEO
Become a regular giver

Become a Friend of SOHK and help change lives for the better. We empower vulnerable adults and children so they can create a positive future, but we need your support. Please donate just £3 per month and help us change the game.
Damian James - Programmes Director, Cymru
Rosa Innes - Programmes Director, Scotland
Policies and reports

Policies and reports
Impact and statistics
Nathan Persaud - Programmes Director, England