Gap Year Programme Launched by British Racing School

Wandering Eyes · Wednesday at 12:35 PM

The British Racing School (BRS) has launched a Gap Year Programme, targeting students completing their A-Levels this year and looking to explore a career in horseracing.

The year-long course begins on June 30, 2025 and offers the unique opportunity for school-leavers to spend time training at the BRS in Newmarket and work at racing yards in both Britain and Australia.
Students will initially attend a seven-week coaching programme in working with and riding thoroughbreds at the BRS. This is followed by a paid industry placement at a British racing yard during the jumps and all-weather season. Further experience is then gleaned from a five-month stint in a racing yard in Australia.

BRS chief executive Andrew Braithwaite said, “We are excited to offer such a thrilling horseracing gap year to young people taking their A-Levels this year. The programme combines the chance to train at our world-class facilities in Newmarket and gain real life work experience, as well as the opportunity to travel internationally and work in Australia. It will provide students with the perfect foundation to develop their skills, gain international experience in the sport and open doors to a wide range of opportunities within the equine industry.”

Students will need to ride to a good standard to apply. Training at the BRS costs £250. Travel to Australia is at the student's own cost. Further information about the programme can be found here.

For young people keen to become involved in the sport, the BRS also offers a three-year programme in conjunction with Hartpury University which leads to a BSc (Hons) Horseracing Industry degree.