Racing to School reports record participation as 25th anniversary gets underway

The education charity Racing to School has reported another record year of engagement in 2025, with plans in place to grow participation within its 25th anniversary year.

Last year, just over 17,500 young people benefited from the charity’s 471 educational events, delivered in partnership with all GB racecourses and a range of other industry and related partners nationwide. Racing to School’s inclusive and accessible programmes provide free-to-access, curriculum-linked learning experiences for young people, the majority of whom are experiencing horseracing for the first time.

John Blake, Chief Executive of Racing to School said: “It is a credit to our team, Trustees and our committed and expanding partners and supporter base, that last year the charity posted another record year of participation. We are thankful to all our donors, in particular for the on-going commitment of the Levy Board.

“We were pleased to reach the milestone of our 250,000^th participant in the autumn but above all that the programmes maintained a high level of measurable impact, both for a diverse range of young people and as a contributor to the sport’s sustainability.

“Racing to School’s 25^th anniversary is a celebration for all of racing, in how it has helped nurture the programmes over time to become the sport’s largest community programme, with demand for the service at its highest level.”

Racing to School also recognised the first decade of both the Aintree Beacon Project and the Newmarket Academy Godolphin Beacon Project (NAGBP), which have played a key role in connecting young people with education and career pathways across two key horseracing communities.

The charity also welcomed racing broadcaster Frankie Foster as a new Ambassador last year, joining a small group from across the sport, including Hollie Doyle and Leonna Mayor, in supporting the charity’s education programmes.

Racing to School’s 75% growth in annual beneficiaries over the last decade owes much to long-standing supporters and the development of new relationships, which combine to extend reach and impact. New partnerships announced during 2025 included the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) and Dallaglio RugbyWorks, joining established supporters such as GB racecourses, the Racing Foundation, Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust and Godolphin.

Racing to School’s mission remains as it was when the first 1,000 young people experienced the sport as a fast-moving classroom during 2001: to enhance learning opportunities and raise aspirations for every beneficiary.