Plumpton College Academy Launches Partnership with Homewood School

Plumpton College, East Sussex and Homewood School, Kent are delighted to jointly announce the first remote education partnership of its kind - offering students post-16 an aspirational and progressive learning alternative within land-based education.

Starting in September 2026, the new Plumpton College Academy offers a 3-day (full time) Level 1 Land-Based Studies course delivered by Plumpton College remotely at Homewood School & Sixth Form Centre in Tenterden Kent. 

Through their combined expertise and resources, Plumpton College and Homewood School aim 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, catalysed by the closure of local sixth forms and the limited transport links.

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.

On the announcement, Plumpton College Principal, Jeremy Kerswell comments:

This partnership is incredibly important to us here at Plumpton College and we are delighted to be collaborating with Homewood School to offer practical, technical based learning opportunities that give purpose and aspiration to students post-16 who are struggling to remain in education.  In doing so, this first-of-a-kind partnership extends the land-based expertise that Plumpton College have fostered over the last century across counties - strengthening community cohesion and supporting the local workforce in sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, and animal care. 

We aim to break cycles of disadvantage by providing clear routes to further education, employment, and apprenticeships, and together with Homewood School, are committed to nurturing talent and ambition in an area where opportunities have historically been limited, ensuring that every student can thrive regardless of background or circumstance.”

Jeremy Single, Headteacher at Homewood School adds:

Our burgeoning partnership with Plumpton College is a transformative step forward for post-16 education in the Weald. At its heart, this collaboration is built on a foundation of shared values: a tireless commitment to inclusive excellence and a deep-seated belief in nurturing the unique potential of every young person.

By weaving together Homewood’s proven expertise in vocational innovation and inclusive practice with Plumpton’s world-class land-based expertise, we are not just expanding a curriculum; we are revitalising our rural heritage and creating a vital bridge to future careers.

We are already working exceptionally well together, with a shared energy that is palpable. This partnership represents an ambitious new chapter for our region, offering students the high-quality, local opportunities they deserve. The future for our young people has never looked more promising, and we are incredibly excited to see this vision take flight.

For interested students - now is your opportunity to expand your horizons and begin a new journey towards a career within the thriving rural sector.

Applications are now open to all students with a passion for the outdoors and a keen commitment to vocational learning.

Local land-based employers are also invited to play a key role in shaping this new initiative. If you are a land-based employer local to Homewood School and would like to get involved through sponsorship, work placements, industry insight, or other forms of collaboration, the partners would be delighted to hear from you. By working together, employers can help develop the future workforce while supporting young people to gain meaningful, real-world experience within the rural economy.

For further information visit:

Plumpton College and Homewood School websites. 

Students based in Kent can also apply through the Kent Choices Portal

Categories: College News, Careers