Make nature your classroom

Capel Manor College is London’s environmental college, offering a diverse range of full and part-time courses in further and higher education whether you are a school leavers or an adult learner.

Over the last 50 years, Capel Manor College has helped thousands of individuals like you achieve their dream of working with animals, plants and the environment. At the College, you will be immersed in a hands-on, creative and practical outdoor learning environment, guided by exceptional, industry-experienced tutors who are experts in their fields.

As London’s only environmental college, Capel Manor College play a vital role in the capital's green agenda, andou can gain qualifications here that are valued by land-based employers. Whether you are looking to begin or boost your career in our natural world, this is the place for you.

You will join an inclusive, diverse and passionate community of around 3,500 students across five London campuses. The College’s primary campus is located in Enfield with further campuses at Crystal Palace Park, Gunnersbury Park, Mottingham and Regent’s Park. As part of your studies, you will have the unique opportunity to obtain real-world experience by helping to care for the College’s estates, gardens, farms, zoo and commercial businesses.

School leavers

If you are leaving school soon, it is time to start thinking about your next steps. One of the most important decisions you will face is whether to continue your education in sixth form or explore opportunities available at college.

Vocational qualifications at colleges can offer you a fast track to employment or university, allowing you to demonstrate your preparedness for the workplace or higher study. As a student at Capel Manor College, you will have the opportunity to learn both in the classroom and through hands-on experience in real life, work outdoors environments.

Adult learners

We offer a variety of full-time, part-time and industry short courses for adults considering a career change, looking to upskill or eager to learn something new. Our flexible programes enable you to study around your schedule.

You will learn from industry-experienced tutors in a practical setting, providing you with the opportunity to gain qualifications valued by a range of employers across the world.

If you are concerned about the cost of studying, there are a range of funding options available that may be able to help you.

Apprenticeships

As an apprentice, you will have the opportunity to earn while you learn through hands-on training. This approach allows you to build confidence in the working environment of the industry where you wish to start or progress your career.

Higher education

If you are considering higher education, our Enfield campus offers you the opportunity to study for a vocational degree in partnership with the Royal Agricultural University (RAU), one of the world’s leading land-based universities. Our higher education programme offers specialised courses in animal management and zoology, or a zoology top-up degree. You will benefit from high quality academic and practical teaching across our first-class facilities, including the Manor House, laboratories and our mini zoo – home to an ever growing animal collection.

Industry training

We offer an extensive selection of industry short courses ranging from horticulture to arboriculture.

These courses are designed to provide you or your employees with specialist training and skills to bring them in-line with rigorous industry standards. All of our courses are run by qualified instructors, many of whom are members of the LANTRA professional register.

Discover our range of courses:

Agriculture

Choose from a variety of agriculture courses, and earn the qualifications you need for a career cultivating the land, growing and harvesting crops and breeding providing high welfare to a range of livestock species.

You will study a multitude of topics, whilst gaining first-hand farming experience working at our certified organic Forty Hall Farm in Enfield, as well as at Mudchute Farm in London. This practical experience will develop the skills and knowledge needed for progression to higher education, or to start your career in agriculture.

Animal management

Explore your passion for animals with specialist courses in animal management, zoology, and veterinary science. Capel Manor College manage and look after more than 1,000 animals in our extensive zoo, collections and farms across our London campuses at Crystal Palace Park, Enfield, Gunnersbury Park and Mottingham. Our animal collection ranges from mammals and birds, to reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.

Capel Manor College offer a range of nationally and internationally recognised animal management courses, ranging from further to higher education. Taught by industry-experienced professionals and designed to support progression to employment, our courses can provide you with invaluable theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

Arboriculture and forestry

Arboriculture (tree surgery) involves the planting, care and maintenance of individual trees in woodlands, rural and urban areas. It is closely linked to forestry, which is the science and practice of managing forests and woodlands. Capel Manor College offers the perfect location for your studies with over 35 acres spread across the capital as well as many local woodland sites maintained by college students.

You will gain invaluable subject knowledge, along with hands-on skills learning how to operate, maintain and use modern industry machinery and equipment. Our full, part-time and apprenticeship courses open up numerous educational and career opportunities; many of our students’ progress to higher education to further their studies or enter careers within the industry.

Art and design

Our art and design courses are delivered in partnership with University of the Arts London (UAL). They are designed to evoke a deep appreciation for the environment while nurturing your artistic skills. Led by experienced industry experts who are passionate about both art and sustainability, our courses offer a holistic approach to creative education.

You will have the opportunity to study in 30 acres of natural beauty, providing you with the perfect backdrop to explore your creativity. With over 40 designed gardens, woodlands and a mini zoo at our Enfield Campus, you can find inspiration at every turn.

Business and digital skills

Whether you have aspirations for a successful business career or are still unsure about your future path, studying business and digital skills with us can unlock a world of possibilities. Our courses are designed with sustainability in mind, to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how businesses operate, offering not only financial benefits but also valuable transferable skills.

Take your pick from our range of full and part-time courses that will equip you with the qualifications necessary for business success. Whether you aim to enhance your employability across various industries or want to develop the skills needed to establish and manage your own business, we are here to support you in cultivating the theoretical knowledge and practical abilities required to kick-start your career.

Dog grooming

There will always be a demand for dog groomers. If you want to create bonds with dogs of all different breeds, shapes and sizes, and work in a professional salon or set up your own business, then Capel Manor College’s dog grooming courses in Enfield are perfect for you.

You will have the opportunity to meet clients and their dogs to develop your customer service skills. Staff will teach you a diverse range of grooming techniques, as well as how to complete pet health checks. They will support you to expand your business knowledge and understand how to market and run your own business.

English and Maths

If you are aged 19 and over and are looking for a course to refresh your skills or improve existing GCSE grades, you can study English or maths at Capel Manor College for free. Our maths courses are delivered as part of the esteemed London Multiply programme, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience to excel in the subject.

Since 2014, by law, all students aged 16 to 18 without at least a Grade 4, or a Grade C, in both English and maths at GCSE must keep studying these subjects as part of their study programme. If you do not have a Grade 4 or Grade C in these subjects already, you do not need to apply for these, you will be automatically enrolled onto our GCSE courses. Classes are planned to align with your chosen land-based course and are taught by our English and maths tutors.

Floristry and event styling

Learn to develop your creativity with our diverse range of courses in floristry, event planning, floral art and design, balloon artistry and event styling. Our full, part-time, evening and apprenticeship courses combine both practical skills and theoretical knowledge. Capel Manor College have an in-house retail training facility at our Enfield Campus and we regularly participate in exciting, high-profile national competitions, such as the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

You will be encouraged to take advantage of these unique opportunities, where you can gain valuable work experience. Our courses, with the exception of our workshops, will give you the opportunity to gain nationally and internationally recognised qualifications with the prospect of progressing to further study, higher education, employment, or starting your own business.

Foundation learning

Aligned with The Prince’s Trust, our courses bridge educational gaps and future aspirations. Available across our Enfield, Gunnersbury Park, and Mottingham campuses, our programme offers flexibility for students with varying GCSE grades. These courses suit 16 to 18-year-olds with minimal formal qualifications, as well as 16 to 23-year-olds with EHCPs. Applicants should enjoy outdoor work and practical activities, meeting the English and maths Entry Level 2 requirement.

Students participate in diverse class-based and practical activities, gaining exposure to the land-based industry and earning necessary qualifications in maths and English.

Garden and landscape design

Capel Manor College has a long-established reputation for delivering garden design courses of the highest quality with a core focus on today’s challenges of climate change, sustainability, and health and wellbeing. You will be encouraged to showcase your skills by entering your work into nationally and internationally renowned design shows, exhibitions and competitions. Our students regularly win awards in RHS shows such as Chatsworth flower show, Chelsea Flower show and Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival. The College offer a range of full and part-time, nationally-certified courses within garden and landscape design.

Horticulture and professional landscaping

Capel Manor College has been a centre for horticultural studies since 1968 and has developed an unrivalled reputation for excellence and strong industry links. By studying with us, you will be introduced to a unique array of plant collections, both within our campuses and across the capital, providing you with the opportunity to work within some of London’s most prestigious parks and gardens.

Improving the quality of London’s gardens and landscapes is of paramount importance. Your developing knowledge and skills will enable you to get involved in the design and implementation of gardens for a variety of national horticulture shows, as well as the regeneration and redevelopment of parks and gardens in the local communities.

Saddlery and shoemaking

If you are interested in horses and horse riding, or working with leather and have artistic flair, then one of Capel Manor College's leatherwork courses in Enfield is the ideal choice. We offer the prestigious and historic Worshipful Company of Cordwainers’ Diploma in Saddle, Harness and Bridle Making, as well as the Access to HE Diploma in Shoemaking.

Our saddlery and leatherwork courses are taught through practical demonstrations and hands-on workshops, helping to provide you with the skill set needed for working within the leather industries. Our students enter the industry working for saddlery businesses and Master Saddlers whilst others take up apprenticeships to further their training. Skills learnt on our courses are transferable and our students go on to work with a wide range of employers in areas such as luxury leather goods makers, the British Army and the fashion industry.

Wildlife and environmental conservation

Capel Manor College's wild and open spaces play a vital role within our ecology, making the need for conservation professionals imperative. You will study a variety of exciting course topics that include managing a range of UK habitats, surveying plants and wildlife, guided walks, countryside estates skills, wildlife ecology and environment, machinery operations and industry-based work experience. You will learn the specialist knowledge required along with gaining the extensive hands-on field experience needed to manage habitats, conserve wildlife and the environment.

Register for an upcoming event

Capel Manor College welcomes school leavers and adult leaners to their events. You are welcome to bring guests to our in-person events, if you find it helpful to have a friend or family member with you.

One-to-one online calls

Choose a 15 minute slot from Monday to Friday, anytime between 10am and 7pm, subject to availability.

Advice Evenings

Get course advice and support from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Open Days

Explore a campus near you from 10am to 3pm.

Virtual Advice Sessions

Speak with us online from 6pm to 8pm.

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