Our Mission Statements

Education, Learning and Skills Mission

To be the local, regional and major national centre of excellence for education and training in the provision of learning and skills to the land-based and rural sector community.

History

Hampshire County Council was the fourth in England to commit bricks and mortar to agricultural training and the county's first Farm School was opened in November 1899 at Old Basing, near Basingstoke.  Its aim was "to provide instruction in the science and practice of agriculture and gardening, but particularly to make the practical side approach as nearly as possible to business conditions, consistent with educational purposes and to provide a centre for domestic work in the county".  

In September 1914, the Farm School was transferred to the 400 acre (158 ha) Westley Farm at Sparsholt, specially bought for the purpose by the County Council.  Staff and students made do with huts, barns and Westley farmhouse until 1926, when a brand new College building (now the administrative centre) was opened.

Numbers of students remained in the 30's and 40's for many years, with the development of farm and horticultural buildings in line with modern practice of the times.

Between 1970 and 1999, other College educational buildings developed to accommodate a rapid growth in student numbers as the breadth of land-based subjects was expanded and the depth of academic progression reflected up to six levels of course qualifications.

The modern College has excellent teaching and training facilities both for theory and practical classes.  A superb library and six computer suites reflect the need to keep pace with new methods of learning.  

More than 1,200 full-time students and 2,000 part-time students now increase the demand for new teaching space and, to this end, a new education building, incorporating classrooms, lecture theatre and laboratories is due for completion by September 2000.

Many students use the highly developed residential, social and sports facilities at the College (over 400 single study rooms on site).

Over its 100 year history, Sparsholt College has become one of the largest college of its kind in the country and, with highly rated educational standards, one of the best regarded.  As with all Further and Higher Education institutions, Sparsholt College is subject to government standards and inspection processes.  Graded results from the last three inspection reports and recently awarded Accredited Status show the College to be in the highest league and should give every prospective student full confidence in the quality of their course provision.  

A reputation alone does not "make" a college, nor do familiar buildings and top class resources; it is also the commitment of a dedicated staff and the motivation of the students which contribute to that "something special" which is Sparsholt College. 

The college currently offers a wide variety of courses on subjects including:

-Agriculture
-Animal Management
-Fishery Studies
-Forestry
-Game & Wildlife
-Horse management
-Horticulture