New Land-Based course launch
Discover Plumpton’s new Level 1 Land-Based Studies course, offering practical learning and progression routes into rural careers.
Starting in September 2026, the new Plumpton College Academy will offer a 3-day (full time) Level 1 Land-Based Studies course for Post-16 learners. It will be delivered by Plumpton College remotely at Homewood School & Sixth Form Centre in Tenterden, Kent.
The Level 1 Land-Based Studies course will take elements from animal care, countryside and environment, land and horticulture programmes, offering students an introduction into these study pathways for future Level 2 courses and on to a wealth of career options within the rural land-based sector. A core component of the new course programme is the provision of English and Maths delivered by Homewood School for students who have not yet achieved a grade 4 at GCSE.
As part of the course, students will complete 35 hours of work experience to build their skill set and demonstrate to future course leaders or employers what they are capable of.
To apply, students need to have achieved 1 or more GCSEs between Grades 2-1, or another related Entry Level 3 qualification or have successful completion of a Level 1 course in another area.
Plumpton College and Homewood School are aiming to broaden access to high-quality land-based vocational education — offering practical pathways that are both relevant to the rural economy and responsive to the aspirations of young people. The partnership addresses the educational and socio-economic needs of rural Kent and East Sussex and is a direct response to the acute shortage of accessible post-16 provision.