Liberty College buys farm site to offer hands-on animal and horticulture courses

Margate’s Liberty College, which works with young people aged young people aged 16-25 to develop employability and life skills, has expanded provision with the purchase of a new farm site in Barham.

The development marks a major step forward in expanding hands-on learning opportunities.

Starting in September, the college, which works with young people who have a range of needs from autism spectrum disorder to oppositional behaviour disorder, will be offering animal care courses to returning learners, providing practical experience in a real farm environment.

The site will include The Old Mill which will be transformed into welcoming classrooms and rest areas and The Garage which will be a dedicated space for the storage of tools and equipment.

The college directors made a personal investment, alongside capital funding, into the farm due to their belief that all learners should have access to the best outcomes in life.

Learners at Margate will travel to the site in the college’s minibuses.

Director Michelle Smith said: “Our farm will deliver accredited courses in Animal Care, Horticulture, and Land-Based Studies, alongside therapeutic interventions led by a qualified professional.

“This initiative is designed to enhance vocational skills, support mental health and wellbeing, and improve employability, while promoting greater independence and social inclusion.

“We look forward to welcoming students to this unique learning environment and are excited about the opportunities this new facility will bring.”

Liberty College buys farm site to offer hands-on animal and horticulture courses