Applications now open for Diploma in Sporting Excellence starting September 2025
The DiSE qualification – worth 64 UCAS points – is for you if you have high rowing aspirations, are a J16 rower (or aged 19-24 with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan), and attend a state-funded school or college
Olympic Champion and DiSE graduate Lauren Henry
There’s more to being a top rower than ‘just’ developing good technique and building the strength and physiology you need to win races. You’ll get more from the hours of training that you’ve put in on the water and in the gym if you have a solid supporting knowledge of psychology, tactics, nutrition, and even communication skills to work effectively with your crew mates and coach.
That’s why British Rowing values running the national Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) programme.
How does DiSE help young rowers?
DiSE has the twin goals of helping you to become a better rower while also providing you with 64 UCAS points. Rowing really could help you get into university!
“I am really enjoying being in DiSE as it is giving me lots of new and helpful information, support and resources to help me improve and get closer to my goals.” – current J17 DiSE athlete
In 2024, no fewer than four members of the Olympic and Paralympic teams – Lauren Henry, Holly Dunford, Mathilda Hodgkins Byrne and Ed Fuller – were DiSE graduates. Five of the U23 and U19 World Rowing Championships team were also current or graduate members of the programme, as were four Coupe de la Jeunesse athletes and four of the various 2024 Beach Sprint Teams as well as one Home International athlete.
Interested in enrolling on the next DiSE course?
Applications are open until 5pm on Monday, 30 June 2025
Worried about fitting it in on top of your training and other studies?
“The skills and knowledge that you’ll develop on the 18-month course will help you be efficient in your training and in other areas of your life,” DiSE Manager Loretta Williams explains.
“For young rowers with full schedules at the boat club and at school or college, adding an extra course on top of their existing A-level, BTEC or other studies may seem like the last thing they need. But in fact, the reverse is true. The skills and knowledge that you’ll develop on the 18-month course will help you be efficient in your training and time management, including when to refuel and what to eat for optimum recovery! DiSE will prepare you for the elite athlete environment you so much want to join.”
