I signed up to future smart a couple years ago. Being a professional sportsman since the age of 17 the journey for qualifications was cut short, with my club offering me a full time contract. Future Smart came along and guided me through a Post Graduate Certificate and then helped me choose the right course for my Post Graduate degree (MSc). I would highly recommended them, they have helped me stay on track with qualifications I need and made the journey easier when applying for jobs later on in life.

Since leaving school and starting a career within the Army, I have struggled to find an academic course that’s flexible to my working environment. Future Smart made that possible. Carole and the team were so helpful in getting me started making completing the course that much easier. My tutor Kate was absolutely amazing, supported me throughout my time despite the challenges with work commitments, and was always an email away from an questions I had to mentor me through. Thank you Carole and Kate

Futuresmart set me up for my future. Prior to completing my PGCert in Leadership I only had GCSEs as I had not been able to take my education further. I was supported and assisted 24/7 throughout this course. The PGCert meant I was able to further my education and complete a Masters degree in international Relations with Russian studies, something I never thought I could achieve. As a serving member of the British Armed forces and a full time athlete this has put me well ahead of my peers for future promotion and career progression including commission but also means post athletic career I have an education. Futuresmart made this accessible through the ELCAS (Military) scheme making this course very low cost to myself and I still had 2 ELCAS payments left to complete my Masters degree! I would highly recommend studying with Futuresmart whether you are military or civilian. If you are military it is ELCAS registered and all online so you can study anywhere in the world whether you are posted with the Military or travelling the world as an athlete to compete.

After Yorkshire Carnegie went into administration late in the 2019 season, I had to transition out of professional rugby quickly. I moved to Hong Kong to play part-time while working in finance, but without qualifications I couldn’t secure long-term sponsorship. That’s when I contacted FutureSmart. Carole acted immediately, helping me create a clear plan to complete a Level 7 Diploma and progress to a Masters. Despite being on the other side of the world, her support was outstanding. I went on to complete my Masters in Strategic Business Management with distinction, which enabled me to secure sponsorship, continue my career, and later move into a high-growth startup role in the UK. FutureSmart gave me the credibility, confidence, and direction I needed for life after rugby. Their understanding of athlete transitions is second to none, and I can honestly say my career wouldn’t look the same without them. Kind regards, George Watkins Rugby Union June 2025

“The course helped me reflect honestly on my learning and professional practice. Using a structured reflective model enabled me to evaluate my experiences clearly and link theory to practice in a meaningful way. This process improved my self-awareness, my written communication, and my ability to critically reflect on my development as a leader.” Also would like to add “The support I received from Kate and Carol at Futuresmart was second to none. Their patience and understanding allowed me navigate this study through a World Cup, a newborn boy and a move abroad (among other things) without getting overwhelmed. I cannot thank them enough.” Jonny May – Rugby Union February 2026