INTEREST in land-based study is rising across the country – and Wiltshire College & University Centre is seeing the trend locally, with applications to study Agriculture up 62% for September entry.
The growth reflects a wider national picture, with Amazon Prime’s Clarkson’s Farm – winner of the 2025 National Television Award for Factual Entertainment – credited with helping raise the profile of modern farming.
The College’s Head of Faculty for Land Based, Kersty Ellis-Drew, believes several factors are encouraging more people to consider a future in agriculture:
“I think there’s a number of things – we’re all aware of food security now and where our food is coming from, but also the increased media interest – Clarkson’s Farm has done quite a lot to let people know what the industry is all about and I think that has sparked some interest,” said Kersty.
At the College’s Lackham campus, the rise in applications reflects wider interest in farming, agri-tech and sustainability careers, which are becoming increasingly visible to younger people.
George Smith, 17, from Malmesbury – winner of the 2025 Student of the Year Award for Agriculture and Land Based – studied Level 3 Agriculture at Lackham. He said: “Food, sustainability and tech are moving fast in farming. That’s why I chose Agriculture here – there are so many ways to make a difference.”
He added: “I wanted something practical with real routes into work. Studying Agriculture at Lackham has given me the skills and confidence to take the next step.”
Students at Wiltshire College & University Centre are also achieving excellent results with 90% of last year’s Level 3 Agriculture students passing and over half achieving a Distinction – showing they are well-equipped for their next step.
The College will be welcoming future students and their families to Lackham this autumn for a series of Open Events, where visitors can explore the working farm, specialist facilities and hear more about the wide range of land-based courses on offer.
Thinking about a future in land based studies?
Join us at one of Lackham’s upcoming Open Events to explore our facilities and see how Agriculture at Wiltshire College & University Centre could shape your next step. Our next Lackham Open Events are being held on Saturday 4 October and Saturday 15 November.
