Hollie Davidson

Hollie Davidson began playing competitive rugby when she was 14, playing at scrum-half for Murrayfield Wanderers. In 2015 Davidson joined the SRU's refereeing course becoming the Scottish Rugby Union’s first full time professional women's referee in 2017. Hollie made history in 2022 when she became the first female to officiate a men’s Six Nations team in a test match when Portugal took on Italy. Hollie made history onces again in 2024 when she became the first Scottish female referee to be part of the officiating team in a Guinness Six Nations match.

Latest

Marketing and Communications Manager

SOHK are looking for Marketing and Communications Manager. This role is key to the success of our growth fund raising strategy that will see us double our income. To achieve this we need to optimise our branding, develop new marketing channels and grow our reach. We are looking for someone as ambitious as we are, and willing to help move our charity into the next stage of our development.
Trying Together Challenge

The Trying Together Challenge is a 3 hour game of continuous touch rugby - with rolling subs of course! This event is designed to engage students, foster community spirit, and raise funds so that School of Hard Knocks’ can run its Schools Programme in more deprived areas. Read on to find out why this event is a perfect fit for your school.
Hollie Davidson

Hollie Davidson began playing competitive rugby when she was 14, playing at scrum-half for Murrayfield Wanderers. In 2015 Davidson joined the SRU's refereeing course becoming the Scottish Rugby Union’s first full time professional women's referee in 2017. Hollie made history in 2022 when she became the first female to officiate a men’s Six Nations team in a test match when Portugal took on Italy.
Johnny Fisher

"As a professional athlete, I understand the importance of the work School of Hard Knocks does in shaping the lives of young people and helping their development. Having played rugby throughout my childhood and to a decent level at university, I can appreciate the core skills it teaches you and I would encourage everyone to get involved. I'm delighted to be associated with School of Hard Knocks and I look forward to supporting them as an ambassador"

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.
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.
Ken Cowen - CEO
Damian James - Programmes Director, Cymru
Rosa Innes - Programmes Director, Scotland
Policies and reports

Policies and reports
Impact and statistics
Our History

School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) was set up by Ken Cowen in 2009 and established as a not-for-profit organisation in 2012. Initially set up to help individuals find and sustain employment, SOHK has developed significantly over the years in order toadapt to society's ever-changing landscape.