Bishop Wand ACE Programme in partnership with Harlequins
Admissions Information
There will be 25 places available in Year 12 and Year 13 for students studying in the Sixth Form alongside the programme. If you require any additional information, please contact Mr Slatem our ACE Head Coach lslatem@bishopwand.surrey.sch.uk
What is the Programme?
The ACE scheme – Academy, Colleges and Education - is targeted at talented Year 12 and Year 13 students who have the aspirations and potential to play elite rugby. The ACE scheme gives boys the opportunity to combine rugby training with education here at The Bishop Wand Church of England School. This combination allows the students to not only gain an excellent education but also experience high-quality rugby training and match opportunities.
The rugby component of the combined development process will be delivered at the training ground at Hazelwood in Sunbury and will be led by ACE Head Coach Liam Slatem lslatem@bishopwand.surrey.sch.uk alongside Ben Goldie from Harlequins F.C. We also have a Strength and Conditioning Coach and a Physiotherapist that work with the ACE students as part of the programme.
Academic Requirements
The minimum entry requirement to study at The Bishop Wand Sixth Form is five GCSE passes at grade 4 or above. Please note that the specific entry requirements for many of our subjects is grade 5 or higher at GCSE and many courses require English and Maths at a good level too. Please refer to our course booklet or online prospectus for the entry requirements for each course.
Bishop Wand ACE Rugby Programme
Application & Recruitment – At a Glance
Who is this for?
Talented rugby players entering Sixth Form who want to combine education at Bishop Wand with elite rugby development through the Harlequins pathway.
Application Timeline:
• Sep 2026: Programme information released via Bishop Wand & Harlequins. ACE applications open.
• Oct 2026: Bishop Wand Open Evening (Thursday, 15th October). ACE rugby presentation & Q&A
• Dec 2026: ACE Trial 1 - Saturday, 5th December 2026 (9:00 - 12:00)
• Jan 2027: ACE Trial 2 - Saturday, 16th January 2027 (invite only)
• Feb 2027: ACE Trial 3 - Saturday, 27th February 2027 (invite only)
What You Must Do:
• Apply for the ACE Rugby Programme. (Sign up for the ACE trials by using the QR code or the link below)
ACE Trial Registration - 2026/2027 – Fill out form.
• Attend trials, if invited
• Apply separately to Bishop Wand Sixth Form (required for all students)
Bishop Wand Sixth Form Application: (Available from 15th October 2026)
*Important: Applying for ACE does not guarantee a Bishop Wand Sixth Form place. You can still apply to Bishop Wand even if you are not selected for ACE.
*If you are interested in being considered for a place at Bishop Wand Sixth Form, even if you are unsuccessful with applying for the ACE programme, please ensure you complete the application form by the deadline date Friday, 18th December 2026.