Land and
Wildlife

A typical week will be a mix of class based theory interspersed with a mix of practical workshops and estate based exercises, the content will vary as the academic year and the shooting year progress. We try to balance the delivery so that what is being taught in the classroom has relevance in the field practical sessions, for example, we may cover pest and predator legislation in class and look at the skills to set traps in the field, within one week’s teaching . 

Most students who have  wished to progress into the gamekeeping industry have been successful in doing so, others have used their qualification to progress to degree level study in related fields including estate management and wildlife management.  Some graduates have been employed as stalkers, river gillies and pest control contractors.  

Students are required to complete 150 hours per year on work experience and you are usually expected to find your own placement, but if you’re having difficulties, don’t worry – our staff will be able to help and point you in the right direction and our Work Placement Co-ordinators are on hand to help too. 

For Level 2 courses you will need four GCSEs at grade 3 (D) or above, to include two from English, Maths and Science, with at least a grade 2 (E) in the remaining subject. 

For Level 3 courses you will need four GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, to include two from English, Maths and Science, with at least a grade 3 (D) in the remaining subject. 

You are required to sit a mandatory examination in March with an opportunity to re–sit in June if you fail in March. The examination is a mix of short answer questions with a few extended questions. The content of the examination is based on the mandatory [compulsory] units you will have studied over the year. The examination is externally set and externally marked.  You will also be graded through a synoptic assessment which requires you to perform practical tasks and submit written reports relevant to your topic area.  

A full Level 3 Extended Diploma (2 years) with distinctions in every module is equivalent to 168 UCAS points or the same as 3 A-level grades at A* (56 UCAS points for one A*).  Pass grades across all modules is equivalent to 48 UCAS points. 

Class sizes vary yearly from 15 to 20+ students. 

There is no requirement to have previous experience, however an interest in the outdoors, conservation, field sports and the British countryside is desirable.  Many of our students have a desire to find a lifelong career working in the field in the British countryside, a job with as little “desk” time as possible. 

There is no formal need for a uniform, however we do have a requirement for students to wear appropriate outdoor kit and PPE when required.  So a big ‘No’ to denim and track suit bottoms as they are below the minimum requirement for useful field kit as when they get wet, they stay wet.  Most students wear cotton work trousers or canvas. During shoot days students will often wear tweeds if they have them, but this is an option not a requirement. You will need safety boots, overalls and suitable outdoor gear for cold and wet weather.  We will provide specialist PPE such as face masks and ear defenders for certain activities.