There’s no typical day for a Horticulture student at Hadlow College, but what they do have in common is that our students get plenty of time outdoors developing their practical experience. A challenging but rewarding course, our goal is to set up our students with the skills they need to achieve their career ambitions.
Our experienced tutors are on hand to share knowledge and deliver the course modules including Plant Science, Horticultural Production, Research Skills, Data Analysis and Post-Harvest. Teaching and assessment methods are varied including assignments, written reports, case studies and presentations, as well as final examinations. We are proud of the nurturing and supportive environment we have created at Hadlow College.
Hear from our Horticulture students about what their experience is like at Hadlow by clicking here.
State-of-the-art facilities
Horticulture students at Hadlow College benefit from industry-grade technology and facilities to ensure they develop their skills that will set them up for their future careers.
In March 2023, we launched our Green Horticultural Centre with funding from the Strategic Development Fund. A new two hectare orchard was planted with apples, plums, cherries and apricots. It will be used to demonstrate how the latest green production technology can help to ensure high yields. The vineyard was populated with grape varieties suitable for the UK climate and once again using the latest technology available.
As the crops establish, robotics and automation will be used, wherever possible, to assist with planting, harvesting and pruning. The green agenda is a high priority for these facilities at Hadlow College, with consideration of decarbonisation, crop diversity and cleaner storage.
We also recently launched The Thanet Earth Centre of Excellence @ Hadlow College This is an innovative partnership between ourselves, leading Kent-based grower Thanet Earth, and research and Kent food innovation business support organisation Growing Kent & Medway.
This exciting new facility is designed to address the critical skills gaps in commercial fresh produce production and supply chains. This collaboration between education and industry is essential in helping to change young people’s perceptions of the sector to attract new talent while ensuring they develop relevant, practical, and employable skills. Benefits for students include:
- Enhanced skills, training, and knowledge, relevant to cutting-edge, sustainable horticulture
- Enriched education, with hands-on experience in commercial horticulture, industry visits and bespoke seminars
- Providing direct access to leading employers in the region and career mentoring
Upcoming Open Days
Hadlow College Open Morning - November 2024
Saturday 9th November, 10am - 1pm
Join us for our Open Morning to discover all your options with Hadlow College.
You can explore our wonderful rural and land-based facilities, with the chance to speak to our industry trained lecturers and our current students. You’ll get all the information you need to make that all important next-step decision and can even apply on the day! Our NKC Hadlow areas will also be open on the day, including Carpentry & Joinery, Motor Cycle, Motor Sport and Motor Vehicle. If you have any questions, please email the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..