DISE

DiSE stands for the Diploma in Sporting Excellence. It is a government funded scheme designed to directly measure the sailors’ ability to plan, apply and evaluate their development in the appropriate aspects of sailing. 

The DiSE programme is run in partnership between the RYA and Loughborough college. In addition to time spent on the water honing the technical and tactical elements of sailing, the DiSE programme will cover a range of modules, including theory and practical elements: 

• Mental Skills 

• Drugs in Sport

• Nutrition 

• Lifestyle 

• Health & Safety 

• Careers 

• Finance 

• Communication 

• Injuries 

• Value & Behaviours 

Most of the portfolio work is takes place online via Teams calls in the evenings with workbooks completed in learner's own time.

Upon completion, sailors will be awarded a Level 3 Diploma in Sporting Excellence, and 64 UCAS points. 

Inclusive talent pathway

The RYA programme aims to create an inclusive talent pathway that nurtures individuals with exceptional potential for sailing success. A challenge for young sailors highlighted by our research reveals a decline in youth sailing club activity. This decline can be attributed to barriers that young people face, such as increased travel times and expenses required to access quality training opportunities. 

To tackle this challenge, the 2025 DiSE programme will look to establish inclusive and supportive performance environments within local clubs alongside our Talent Academy Programme. By implementing the 2025 DiSE programme in these Talent Academies across different regions, we will enhance the training accessibility, to reduce travel costs, and provide secure, high-quality practice spaces. 

Eligibility

• Learners must be aged 16 to 18, starting Year 12 in September 2025, in full-time education (or aged 19 to 24 with an Education, Health and Care plan). 

• Studying at a state education institute. For students in fee-paying schools, they must meet specific conditions related to fee remission;

• The student is in receipt of the schools means-bursary of at least 50% fee remission; 

Or 

• The student is in receipt of a talent / ability-based scholarship of at least 50%, but were this not to be the case, then they would have otherwise qualified for the schools means-tested bursary of at least 50% fee remission 

Or 

• At least 50% of the student’s fees are being paid by a third sector organisation but were this not to be the case then they would have otherwise qualified for the schools mean-tested bursary of at least 50% fee remission 

• Ideally, have a minimum of 5 GCSEs at a grade of 4 or above, including Maths and English. 

• Currently sailing and competing in a recognised Youth Class. 

• Students should be from England. Consideration for students from Scotland or Wales will be at the discretion of the NGB with Sport England. Unfortunately, students from Northern Ireland cannot be considered. 

Duration of the Programme

The minimum duration of the programme is 18 months; this is a part time study programme that sits alongside the sailors chosen Further Education (school / college) subjects i.e. A Levels and BTECs.