School Farm & Estate
Nestled within our 140-acre campus sits Abbotsholme’s very own 70-acre working farm, proudly certified by the Red Tractor Assurance Scheme. The farm has been at the heart of the school since the school was established in 1889, with agricultural practises worked into the original curriculum.
Our farm stands as one of the unique features of our school, cherished by every pupil as an essential part of their experience of Abbotsholme School. All pupils up to Year 9 play an active role in the rural and agricultural life at the school, with pupils in Year 10 and above having the option to study Agriculture and Estate Management or Equestrian as part of a tailored curriculum.
Today, our farm accommodates a rare breed herd of pedigree British Whites, commercial Beltex flock of sheep, pigs, poultry and other small animals such as rabbits. The meat from our home-raised animals often finds its way into our kitchens, embodying our commitment to the “farm to fork” ethos. Our culinary team prepares nutritious meals using ingredients sourced directly from our farm. This practise instils in our pupils an understanding of food origins from an early age, whilst highlighting the significance of the agricultural communities across the UK.
Through regular visits to the farm, all pupils, from Nursery to Year 13, are provided with an unparalleled and hands-on experience in animal handling, husbandry and the importance of animal welfare. Pupils from Reception to Year 9 have the opportunity to spend time on the farm during weekly ‘Carousel’. The Carousel provides all pupils with half a day each week, on a half termly basis, split between Farm & Equestrian, Performing Arts and Outdoor Education.
Lambing season at Abbotsholme School remains, as it has always been, a cherished highlight of our school year. A wholesome and magical time of the year, lambing season is open to most pupils in our school, with the opportunity to sign up to the lambing rota. Whether studying agriculture, or just immersing in one of the many experiences Abbotsholme can offer, lambing offers our pupils the opportunity at playing a role in bringing new life to our farm.
Curriculum
Our curriculum offers invaluable opportunities to educate all pupils on environmental sustainability. Through outdoor education, working with animals, and activities such as bee keeping, clay pigeon shooting and gardening, our pupils have opportunities to deepen their understanding of the natural world and its environment.
At GCSE level, pupils may opt to study:
- General Agriculture
- Soil
- Principles of plant growth
- Crop production
- Livestock anatomy and physiology
- Livestock production and health
- Pasture management
- Farm structures and tools
During GCSE agricultural studies, time is equally divided between the classroom and practical projects on the farm and estate.
Similarly to GCSE, BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Agriculture is also split between the classroom and the farm. Pupils engage directly with the school’s breeding sheep flock and pedigree British White cattle herd, participating in the activities required as part of the year round farming calendar. These activities encompass lambing, preparing livestock for the market, and upholding high standards of housing and welfare management.