Specialist success for Hartpury

Hartpury University and College are growing, with high student demand for its specialist further and higher education courses

Hartpury University and Hartpury College in Gloucestershire has experienced sustained growth across both further and higher education courses, with a current student population of almost 4,700 from more than 60 countries. Hartpury was granted university status in 2018 and has seen increasing demand for its specialist options, including veterinary and land-based courses.

Hartpury has increased enrolled students for university courses by 45% since 2018, Last year, applications rose by more than 7% – in an HE landscape where UCAS applications to universities across the UK increased by 1.3%.

Applications for sport-related courses increased by 11%, while veterinary nursing applications rose by 9%, reflecting continued interest in Hartpury’s industry-focused provision, graduate outcomes and small-cohort teaching. It was named Specialist University of the Year 2026 by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide. 

Hartpury College, rated Ofsted Outstanding in all areas, enrolled more than 2,100 students last September for A levels, sport and animal management courses. Agriculture has been a notable success in recent years, with significant increases to the overall number of students and apprentices, including those from non-traditional as well as farming backgrounds. Facilities at Hartpury include a Digital Innovation Farm, used to host industry events for the sector as well as training students.

Hartpury hartpury.ac.uk

Further reading: Equestrian lead appointed at New Hall School