If you were unable to attend a College Ready session in person, you can now watch a recording of the talk online. Transport – Activation codes are now in the College portal for those who have purchased college tendered buses only. New first year students can only activate their bus pass once they have approved their college email address on campus. Use your bus pass receipt to access the bus on 03 September.
The Home of Professional Sport Pathways in Cornwall
Take your talent further — on the pitch, on the court and beyond.
Over 30 Years of Sporting Excellence
At Truro and Penwith College, ambitious young athletes can combine quality education with high-performance training, specialist coaching and genuine connections to professional sport.
For more than 30 years, the College has helped talented students from Cornwall develop as athletes, succeed in their studies and progress towards professional sport, university and rewarding careers across the sports industry.
Today, our established Exeter Chiefs Academy pathway sits alongside Official Education Partnerships with the Cornish Pirates and Truro City FC, our link with Cornwall Saracens Basketball Club and a wider network of sporting relationships. Together, they make Truro and Penwith College the home of professional sport pathways in Cornwall.
Professional sport pathways built on experience
A professional pathway is about far more than putting a club badge on a College programme. It requires trusted relationships, outstanding coaching, the right facilities, meaningful competition and a track record of helping young people progress.
That is what Truro and Penwith College has built over more than three decades.
Students train in an ambitious and supportive environment while continuing to focus on the qualification that will shape their future. Sport Academy sessions are built around College studies, allowing students to pursue high sporting standards alongside A Levels or vocational programmes.
Whether your goal is to play at the highest level, continue your development at university or build a career in the wider sports industry, you will be supported to progress as a student, an athlete and a person.
Our Partners
Exeter Chiefs Rugby Academy pathway
Truro College is an established part of the Exeter Chiefs Academy pathway and one of the club’s key development bases for talented players in Cornwall.
Exeter Chiefs Academy staff are based on site, giving players access to specialist rugby coaching, strength and conditioning, performance analysis and player development within their College week. Truro College is also the Chiefs Academy’s southern training venue and competes in the RFU ACE League, giving students the opportunity to test themselves against leading rugby programmes from across the country.
The pathway has helped develop Premiership players, England internationals and British & Irish Lions, with former Truro College students including Ben Hammersley, Jack Nowell and Luke Cowan-Dickie among those who have progressed to the highest levels of the game.
The College offers ambitious pathways for both male and female players. Our Elite Female Rugby Academy works with Exeter Chiefs to provide full-time Academy coaching and clear progression towards university, club, Premiership and international rugby.
Outstanding players may also have the potential to progress into England Rugby age-grade and representative pathways. These opportunities are subject to external selection and cannot be guaranteed.
One College. Ten Sport Academies. More ways to progress.
Professional pathways are part of a much wider sporting offer at Truro and Penwith College. Students can access expert coaching, technical development, performance analysis, strength and conditioning and high-level competition through academies in:
- Basketball
- Cricket
- Men’s Football
- Women’s Football
- Elite Sport
- Hockey
- Netball
- Men’s Rugby
- Women’s Rugby
- Tennis
Facilities include dedicated strength and conditioning suites, sports halls, 3G and 4G pitches, a multi-use games area, fitness suites, an exercise physiology laboratory and the Cornwall Indoor Cricket Centre.
Professional sport is more than playing
Every professional club depends on skilled people behind the team. Our partnerships help students explore careers across:
- Coaching and player development
- Physiotherapy, rehabilitation and sports therapy
- Sport and exercise science
- Strength and conditioning
- Performance analysis
- Media, content and journalism
- Marketing and communications
- Events and matchday operations
- Hospitality and business
That means students do not have to become professional players to build a successful future in professional sport. The same partnerships that support athlete development can provide insight, experience and inspiration for careers throughout the industry.
Education and sporting ambition — together
Your education remains at the heart of the programme.
Sport Academy sessions are designed to fit around your main course, so you can combine high-performance sport with a wide choice of A Levels and vocational qualifications. You will be expected to show commitment to training, competition and your studies, with expert staff supporting you to achieve on and off the field.
At Truro and Penwith College, you do not have to choose between an excellent education and serious sporting development. You can pursue both — and go further.
Ready to take your next step?
Explore the Sport Academies, meet our coaches and discover the course that is right for you.
Our Stories
Life in the Football Academy
For students at the Football Academy, success is more than what happens on the pitch. It is about being part of a close-knit team, building lifelong friendships, and pushing each other to achieve more every day.
June 23, 2026
Fred – BSc (Hons) Applied Sport and Health Science
Fred’s journey with the College has come full circle, from playing in Truro College’s Football Academy first team to later coaching it. Alongside this, he became a fully qualified gym instructor thanks to his degree at the University Centre and now is committed to helping students both on the pitch and in the gym.
April 3, 2025
Lucie’s Story
Lucie progressed in her favourite sport by joining the Rugby Academy and has received an exceptional sporting offer as a result.
July 25, 2023
Callum’s Story
Callum’s passion for sport drew him to Truro and Penwith College, where he was able to join the Cricket Academy, learn new skills and put those skills into practice in his main studies.
July 1, 2022
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Frequently Asked Questions
Truro and Penwith College offers professional sport pathways through its established relationship with Exeter Chiefs and Official Education Partnerships with the Cornish Pirates and Truro City FC. The College also works with Cornwall Saracens Basketball Club and a wider network of sports organisations.
Truro College is an established Exeter Chiefs Academy partner and the Academy’s southern training venue. Exeter Chiefs Academy staff are based on site, and Truro College competes in the national RFU ACE League.
Yes. Sport Academies are part of the College’s enrichment programme and are designed to work around a student’s main course. Depending on suitability and timetabling, students can combine an Academy with A Levels or a vocational programme, including subjects outside sport.
The College offers academies in basketball, cricket, men’s and women’s football, elite sport, hockey, netball, men’s and women’s rugby and tennis.
No. The College’s professional partnerships also help students explore careers in coaching, physiotherapy, sports science, strength and conditioning, performance analysis, media, marketing, events, hospitality and business.
Students select their preferred enrichment option as part of their College application and can discuss the right Academy pathway at interview. Sport Academies require commitment to training and fixtures. A contribution charge supports kit and travel, and financial support may be available.