Hartpury College

Just 18 years ago Hartpury was a small agricultural college offering a handful of courses with just 60 students. Through dedication, investment of over £40 million and self-belief, it has been transformed into the College that exists today and one which has a growing reputation for excellence in the delivery of both further and higher education programmes across the areas of Animal and Land Sciences, Equine and Sports Studies.

Relevant academic skills
In 1997 Hartpury was awarded Associate Faculty status by the University of the West of England and since this time it has worked in partnership to develop innovative undergraduate and postgraduate programmes which are both industry relevant and academically robust, ensuring students leave Hartpury having gained the knowledge and skills which are vital in today’s highly competitive workplace.

Hartpury campus has benefited from an extensive investment programme and provides outstanding facilities including a Sports Academy Centre, a Human Performance Laboratory, Animal Science Centre, the Hartpury Arena, an Equine Therapy Centre, Home Farm and Sports Horse Stud, Learning Resource Centre, 250 Horse Equestrian Centre and 450 Cow Dairy Unit as well as fisheries and woodland.

Hartpury College was recently inspected by the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) and identified as an ‘Outstanding’ college. Ofsted regulate and inspect to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. Hartpury received a Grade 1, the highest possible, for all cross college aspects of its work. Hartpury is one of only three land-based colleges in the UK to be graded as Outstanding which represents a clear endorsement of the College’s ability to offer the very best learning experience.

Hartpury College also has elite academies in Football, Golf, Netball, Modern Pentathlon, Rugby and Equine, offering talented individuals the opportunity to continue with their academic education whilst furthering their careers within their chosen sport. Many Hartpury students have gone on to represent top club sides in both rugby and football and play not only at a national but international level. There has been similar success within the equine arena with Hartpury boasting Junior and British Team medalists among students.

International reputation
Hartpury College has an outstanding international reputation for the quality of its equine courses. Theoretical teaching is combined with practical sessions, using the extensive range of facilities available on campus. All courses offer a clear progression route, enabling students to gain further academic qualifications and ultimately improve their career choices within an extremely competitive horse industry.

Hartpury offers outstanding equine facilities which include a World Class Championship arena, three outdoor arenas (including an 80m x 60m), three indoor arenas (60m x 25m, 60m x 21m), stabling for 230 horses including 100 boxes for student DIY livery, Home Farm Stud, an Equine veterinary practice, an Equine veterinary and therapy centre, an Aquafit treadmill, High speed treadmill, Solarium, other therapy systems and a new Indoor Championship Arena (70m x 50m) with seating for 600 and Cross-country courses up to FEI 3* level.

Diverse training
So what makes Hartpury College so special? It encourages all of its students to do more than study an academic course. Employers want to see applications full of additional skills and work experience. As a result Hartpury uses its facilities and onsite practices not only for formal learning, but also for work experience. Students are encouraged to partake in work experience at the Equine Veterinary and Therapy Centre, Home Farm Stud and its outstanding Equine Centre. It is also possible for students to undertake various short courses ranging from tractor driving to British Horse Society training.