Sparsholt College

We're pleased to share that Julie Milburn, Principal and CEO of Sparsholt College Group, has been appointed Chair of the Hampshire Skills Partnership.

The Partnership brings together education providers, businesses and local authorities to help shape the skills agenda across Hampshire, ensuring employers have access to the talent they need while creating opportunities for residents to develop the skills required for future success.

Julie takes on the role following Professor Sarah Greer CBE, building on the strong foundations established since the Partnership's launch in 2024.

Julie said: "The Hampshire Skills Partnership has an important role to play in shaping the future workforce, supporting employers and creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to develop the skills they need to succeed."

Read more: https://www.hants.gov.uk/News/200260616HSPNewChair

We're delighted to see Sparsholt College and UCS alumnus Tom Hilder joining the judging panel for the 2026 Schöffel Countryside Awards Schöffel Country with Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) .

Following his success as the Rising Star winner in 2025, Tom is building an impressive career as Senior Nature-Based Solutions Officer at the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. His appointment to the judging panel is a testament to the expertise and leadership he brings to the conservation sector.

Congratulations to Tom and to all 28 finalists shortlisted for this year's awards. We look forward to celebrating the outstanding work being carried out to support the future of the British countryside.

From bare ground to buzzing with life🌱

Our Level 3 Land & Wildlife Management students have been transforming this grassland as part of their Grassland Habitat Management unit and the results speak for themselves. This post shows one of many examples across our countryside campus - first seeded back in October 2022, this once-scraped site is now full of wildflowers and wildlife.

A huge thanks to lecturer and community ecologist for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Susan Simmonds, and Bright Seeds for helping bring this project to life!

Calling all applicants... have you completed your Next Steps form?📣

All applicants need to complete this form. It includes important information for you to read and confirm, along with questions that help us understand how best to support you. Applications for transport and/or accommodation are also done through the form.

You should now have received an email from our admissions team with a login to access the form.

✉️ Can't find it or need some help? Contact [email protected] - our team is here to support you!

Our 2026 Equine Study Tour to South Africa was an unforgettable experience. 🐎🌍

Students had the incredible opportunity to encounter a diverse range of wildlife, offering a valuable and enriching learning experience beyond the classroom.

During the trip, they also built dog kennels, leaving behind a heartfelt message: “For the puppies, with love from Sparsholt Equine 2026.”🐕

Excited to learn more? Visit our website and explore everything Sparsholt has to offer.
🔗https://www.sparsholt.ac.uk/the-college/

Our Year 2 T Level Animal Management students recently took a trip to the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.🦕

Experiences like this are incredibly important, helping students bring their studies to life through real-world examples, hands-on observation, and a deeper understanding of animal diversity and conservation.

Feeling inspired?✨
Check out the link below to explore our range of courses!
🔗https://www.sparsholt.ac.uk/level-of-study/full-time/

🎉 Congratulations to Sparsholt College Animal Management student, Griffin Given on an incredible achievement in WCMX (Wheelchair Motocross)!

Competing against some of the world's top athletes in the World WCMX Online Series, Griffin secured an impressive 🥉 3rd place finish in Round One of the Pro Men category.

Read More: https://www.sparsholt.ac.uk/college/news/sparsholt-college-student-griffin-given/

Last week, we hosted our fourth FE Specialist Project Research Poster Conference, giving Sparsholt Campus Animal Management learners the opportunity to present their research projects.

There was an incredibly diverse range of insightful and valuable research projects on display. Our judges had a tough job to pick their prize winners, but a huge congratulations to all who won tickets on the day:

Emma Coombes – Best title – Prize: Oceanarium, Bournemouth
Amelia Pell – Best poster design – Prize: Hawk Conservancy Trust
Noah Justin – Most confident presenter – Prize: The New Forest Wildlife Park
Lucy Johnson – Best exotic animal research – Prize: Longleat
Lucy Murphy – Best companion animal research – Prize: Noah's Ark Zoo Farm
Demi-Lee McGlinchey – Best wildlife research – Prize: Marwell Wildlife
Finn Mahoney – Best method – Prize: Birdworld UK
Griffin Given – Most potential for further research – Prize: ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

💙 Miles of Memories raises over £345 for Simon Says 💙

Students and staff across Sparsholt and Andover College recently came together yesterday to honour loved ones, celebrate cherished memories and raise vital funds for bereavement support charity Simon Says Child Bereavement Support

As part of our journey towards becoming a Champion College for Simon Says, we hosted Miles of Memories – a special fundraising event that invited participants to cycle a symbolic mile in memory of someone they had lost.

Those taking part wore a star bearing the name of their loved one before adding it to our beautiful Sky Full of Stars display. The result was a touching tribute that celebrated the lives of those no longer with us and reflected the kindness and compassion of our college community.

Liz Wilson, Director of Inclusion and Student Experience, said:

"Miles of Memories provided a meaningful opportunity for our college community to come together, remember those we have lost and support an important local charity. Bereavement affects many of our learners, and the event highlighted the importance of ensuring that young people have access to the support they need."

Thanks to the generosity of our students, staff and supporters, we have raised an amazing £345.05 and counting across both campuses.

A huge thank you to everyone who cycled, donated and shared their memories. Every mile, every star and every donation will help Simon Says continue providing vital support to children, young people and families across Hampshire.

🐴 The British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) Equestrian National Championships is underway at Sparsholt!

We're delighted to be hosting this prestigious event for the first time, welcoming talented student riders from universities across the UK to our Equine Centre.

Competitors will demonstrate exceptional skill, adaptability and horsemanship as they compete in dressage and showjumping on unfamiliar horses.

Good luck to all the riders taking part this week, and a huge thank you to our staff, volunteers and horse owners helping to make the event possible.