Bede Sixth Form College is proud to deliver the Newcastle Red Bulls ACE Programme, providing a high-performance rugby environment within an education setting.

The ACE (Academy Colleges and Education) programme is designed to identify, develop and support talented players, combining elite-level coaching, strength and conditioning, and competitive fixtures alongside academic study. It creates a genuine pathway for players to progress within the modern professional game while continuing their education.

Based in the Teesside region — an area with a long-standing reputation for producing high-level sporting talent — Bede has quickly established itself as a key hub for player development. The programme is built on strong foundations of professionalism, work ethic and ambition, with a clear focus on long-term player progression.

Players selected into the programme will train and compete in a structured, high-performance environment, representing the college in the ACE League is England’s elite U18 rugby union competition for state schools and colleges. This offers a demanding fixture programme that begins regionally and progresses to national competition, with players regularly competing against those within professional academy systems.

The Newcastle Red Bulls ACE Programme aims to develop players who are not only physically and technically prepared, but who also demonstrate the mindset, resilience and adaptability required to succeed at higher levels of the game.

With a carefully selected cohort across Years 12 and 13, the programme provides an opportunity to be part of an ambitious environment where standards are high, expectations are clear, and players are challenged to reach their potential — both on and off the field.