The Eton Dorney Rowing Courses are non-residential rowing courses based at Dorney Lake, which is Eton College’s Rowing Centre and was a venue for the 2012 Olympics. With experienced coaches, the courses are tailored to cater for both Learn to Row and Advanced rowers. There are a substantial number of free places available to students who attend UK state schools.
Courses dates for 2026:
Course 1: 20 July – 24 July 2026
Course 2: 27 July – 31 July 2026
Rowing Course bookings will open at 9am on Monday 23 February 2026 for both courses and the cost is £450 per course.
Participation, progression and performance will be installed in any rower who takes part in the courses with the aim of providing each participants with the skills to flourish along their rowing journey.
By giving students access to world class facilities and top quality coaching, we strive to create excellence for all course participants.
The Eton Dorney Rowing Course is definitely something I will forever remember, and its scholarship scheme made this possible – something which I would have otherwise been unable to do.
Jacques Miller
Summer 2025 Gallery
Who can attend?
The courses are open to boys and girls aged 12-16. Rowers of all abilities are welcome on both courses. There are a substantial number of selected free places available to students who attend UK state schools. These will be allocated by the Summer Schools Management Team on a case-by-case basis once bookings open. We are hopeful that these places will be allocated to students who would not otherwise be able to attend. Selected free places are only available to students who have not attended a free course with us before.
of students on the 2024 courses were beginners.
Course Content
The course itself has been structured by Eton College and Dorney Lake Boat Club coaches to ensure that all students attending the course will leave with the knowledge and skills to further develop their rowing journeys. The days will be made up of three outings per day with a contrast of rowing-based land activities, such as goal setting, guest speakers and warm up sessions to provide all students with the background knowledge of becoming elite rowers. The students will also row up to Queen’s Eyot, Eton College’s private island, and will take part in head races and an end of course relay race. The course will run daily from 9am – 4pm, and students will need to bring their own packed lunches and snacks.
Staff
The members of staff on the Eton Dorney Rowing Courses include approximately 20 instructors employed as either coaches or course assistants for the two week period, the majority of whom are members of Eton’s term-time staff. All coaches hold qualifications obtained from British Rowing.
The first day out on the boats was nerve-racking, but with the help from my two amazing coaches, I was slowly gaining confidence. I have really enjoyed my rowing experience at Eton and hope that I will have the privilege to attend the course again.
Heather Whitmore
Facilities
Eton is fortunate to be one of the best-equipped schools in the world, and many of its extensive facilities are made available to the students of the Eton Dorney Rowing Courses. The rowing facilities in particular are second to none, with the international standard eight-lane course at Dorney Lake a venue for the 2012 Olympics.
Contact
Phone Number – 01753 370550
Email Address – [email protected]
Terms and Conditions
1. All fees stated are payable in pounds sterling.
2. Eton Dorney Rowing Courses reserves the right to alter the features of its courses, including venues and facilities.
3. Eton Dorney Rowing Courses reserves the right to refuse an application without stating a reason.
4. Cancellation Fees:
– Cancellation before 31 March 2026: 75% of course fee.
– Cancellation between 1 April 2026 and 21 June 2026 inclusive: 50% of course fee.
– Cancellation after 22 June 2026: The course fee in full.
5. Students can not participate on the course until they have passed a capsize and swimming test.
6. Any refund is at the discretion of Eton Dorney Rowing Courses, but Eton Dorney Rowing Courses cannot take responsibility for other costs incurred by applicants.
7. Free places are for selected pupils attending UK state schools only who have not attended before.
8. Eton College will not be held liable for any loss or damage to students’ belongings during the course.
