Hadlow College London

Hadlow College, located at Hadlow in Kent with satellite sites in Canterbury and London, is a Further Education and Higher Education college. The curriculum primarily covers land-based subjects including forestry & arboriculture, agriculture, conservation and wildlife management, animal management, fisheries management, equine studies, outdoor pursuits, floristry, horticulture, garden design, landscape management and sustainability. Additionally, intermediate and advanced apprenticeships are offered in agriculture, horiticulture and land based engineering.

In June 2010 the college was graded 'Outstanding' by Ofsted. This result complemented the 'outstanding' grade which the college had received in March 2009 for its care provision. These results have cemented the college's place amongst the elite of UK colleges.

Official Site:  Hadlow College

Facilities

Set on a 630-acre (250 ha) estate, Hadlow College enjoys many facilities. Its equine centre is listed within the London 2012 Training Guide and the new animal management building (opening spring 2009) will be amongst the best in the country.

Additional facilities on the estate include a fully functioning farm with a dairy herd and milking parlour, breeding sheep and arable crops, commercial dog grooming parlour and exotic species, variety of habitats for woodland and countryside management, stock ponds, hatchery, cross country equine courses together with international size arenas, 3.2 acres (13,000 m²) glasshouse complex and a landscape training centre.

Broadview Gardens, the on-site visitor attraction, also plays an important role in College life. These 10 acres (4.0 ha) of landscaped gardens provide an inspiration to the horticulture and garden design students, as well as being a useful area for them to practise their skills. It is also home to Sandell lake. These gardens are constantly being updated and added to. For example, Hadlow College’s garden – Full Frontal – which won Gold at the 2007 Hampton Court Flower Show has recently been re-created within the grounds. Highlighting the effects which block paving can have on the environment, Full Frontal presents an alternative based around the fact it is possible to have flowers, plants and a parking space in your front garden without the need for concrete.

In October 2009 Princess Christian's Farm came underneath the umbrella of the college. Run in partnership with Kent County Council Social Services for the benefit of adults with learning difficulties and disabilities, the overall aim of the partnership is for the individuals to learn new skills and develop opportunities to move into employment.