St James's Place

St James's Place aims to make a significant difference to the live of children and young people. Their foundation is support SOHK's Welsh schools programme for the next three years.

Latest

Evidence & Impact Manager

Having spent the last 6 months reflecting on and resetting our mission and core outcomes, this is a really exciting time in SOHK’s impact journey. We are looking for someone to join us in what is a brand-new role to lead the development of this impact management approach and roll out of the new outcomes framework across England, Scotland and Wales.
Freelance Rugby Coach - London

SOHK England are looking to appoint a freelance rugby coach for the 2024/25 school year. Based in London, the SOHK's Rugby Coach will share responsibility for frontline schools delivery in England.
Freelance Rugby Coach - Wales

SOHK Wales are looking to appoint a freelance rugby coach for the 2024/25 school year. Based in the Cardiff area, the SOHK’s Schools Rugby COach will share responsibility for frontline schools delivery in Wales.
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.

Imagine Foundation

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

Policies and reports
Impact and statistics