The Level 1 Land-based Studies course launches at Homewood School and Sixth Form Centre this September and gives students with an interest in farming and working in rural communities the opportunity to learn in a hands-on, practical way.
The course is being delivered in partnership with Plumpton College, bringing specialist land-based expertise into the school through a new cooperative learning model.
Beverley visited the school with former pupil and KCC councillor for Tenterden, Wayne Chapman, to find out about the new course and see the school’s farm, where part of the course will be taught.
KCC Cabinet Member for Education, Beverley Fordham, and KCC Councillor for Tenterden, Wayne Chapman, visited the farm at Homewood School and Sixth Form Centre
The school serves a number of rural communities, making it ideally placed to offer a course like this and connect learning with local industries such as farming, horticulture and land management. It also aligns with Kent County Council’s ‘Pathways for All’ plan to give more options to young people after age 16, especially in rural areas where specialist courses can be harder to access.
Speaking during her visit, Beverley said:
“It’s fantastic to see this course being introduced at Homewood. For young people interested in farming and working in rural communities, having something like this available locally is a real boost.
“It gives them the chance to learn in a practical way, build confidence and develop the skills that really matter for their future.”
The course will introduce students to areas such as animal care, countryside and environment, land and horticulture, alongside support with English and maths where needed.
Teaching will take place at Homewood School, using its farm classroom and green spaces, and will include at least 35 hours of work experience to help students gain hands-on experience.
One of the farm buildings at Homewood School and Sixth Form Centre
Speaking about what the course will mean for students locally and the partnership with Plumpton College, Jeremy Single, Headteacher at Homewood School, said:
“Our burgeoning partnership with Plumpton College is a transformative step forward for post-16 education in the Weald. At its heart, this collaboration is built on a foundation of shared values: a tireless commitment to inclusive excellence and a deep-seated belief in nurturing the unique potential of every young person.
“By weaving together Homewood’s proven expertise in vocational innovation and inclusive practice with Plumpton’s world-class land-based expertise, we are not just expanding a curriculum; we are revitalising our rural heritage and creating a vital bridge to future careers.
“We are already working exceptionally well together, with a shared energy that is palpable. This partnership represents an ambitious new chapter for our region, offering students the high-quality, local opportunities they deserve. The future for our young people has never looked more promising, and we are incredibly excited to see this vision take flight.”
The course is designed as a stepping stone into further study, apprenticeships or careers in the land-based sector, with an initial intake of around 12 students and places already starting to fill up.
Applications are now open. For further information visit:
Plumpton College and Homewood School websites.
Students based in Kent can apply through the Kent Choices Portal.
