Meet our college students
Here are some of our students' thoughts on what it's like to study a college course at Brackenhurst.
Student stories
Every student’s story is different. We interviewed three Brackenhurst students from a range of backgrounds to find out what they’ve enjoyed most about their time here.
Felicity was blown away by the facilities when she visited
Connor loves using his knowledge in our unique campus
Imogen is a career-changer, returning to education after a few years
The campus is stunning! It’s such a pleasant place to be no matter the season and all the staff on campus are so welcoming and supportive. Every course has its fair share of practical and immersive learning that I think really benefits us as students, maximising our potential."
— Lily-mae
A typical day at Brackenhurst
Lily-mae studies Agriculture and Jaiden studies Animal Management, and they shared what a typical day at Brackenhurst is like.
Lily-mae out working in the fields
What time do you arrive at Brackenhurst?
"On a day when we are doing practical and theory sessions, I need to be on the farm at 9 am sharp. I’ll get to college around 8.45 am so I have time to put my belongings in my locker.
I find out what the practical activity for the day will be and put on the appropriate boots and overalls. If I have farm duties, I’ll get to college in the correct PPE ready to meet a farm technician and get stuck into the jobs for that day!"
— Lily-mae
"I get a college bus at 8.15 am which gets into college just before 9 am where lessons start at 9.15 am. For me, on a Monday I have my duties lesson which is an hour and a half practical where you clean out a set of enclosures and get them ready for the day."
— Jaiden
Jaiden working in the Animal Unit
What sort of lessons do you have in the morning?
"Mornings tend to be more practical. Sessions can vary from carrying out maintenance on farm machinery, operating farm vehicles, health-checking livestock, travelling off campus to neighbouring farms, habitat maintenance across the Brackenhurst estate, and so much more.
After a practical, we’ll have an hour to an hour and a half to lunch and time to spend in the library completing work."
— Lily-mae
"On a Monday morning I have my practical lesson but every other day I will have a class lecture first thing. In between lessons I usually have a half an hour break which is good as it gives me time to eat and chill."
— Jaiden
Lunch in the Orangery.
What do you do in the afternoon?
"For lunch, I’ll usually head to the canteen to eat and catch up with friends on other courses. If I have an assignment due (or I’m just feeling productive) I’ll head to the library after I’ve eaten to catch up on work.
In the afternoon, we have theory lectures with a break in between. These could be crop production, plant and soil science, livestock husbandry, land-based machinery, professional working responsibilities, or managing agricultural environments (my personal favourite)."
— Lily-mae
"Over lunch I usually go to the canteen which serves a variety of hot food or I go to the Brack Shop and get a meal-deal there. After lunch I have more lectures which can either be at the top of campus or in the animal unit area."
— Jaiden
T-level students working with the dogs on campus.
What time do you head home?
"The time we finish lectures varies from day to day, the latest I finish is at 5 pm. If I finish late, I’ll get home for 6 pm (depending on traffic) so I still have daylight left to enjoy my hobbies at home. The earliest I finish is 3 pm and on those days, I’ll usually stay in the library for a couple of hours, so I don’t have to do any work at home.
I feel getting my work done at college rather than home really helps me separate my home life and gives me plenty of time to relax and get ready for the next day."
— Lily-mae
The facilities here topped any of the other surrounding colleges when it comes to studying animals as it is linked to a university meaning it has university-grade equipment. I chose this course as it is a pathway to studying a course I want in university."
— Jaiden