I am a parent / carer of someone on the Study Programme
Vocational Courses in Lincolnshire
Reserve your place on the 2026 study programme!
Hill Holt Wood's Study Programme
Hill Holt Wood's Study Programme is a full-time post-16 education programme for young people aged 16–19 (or up to 24 for learners with an EHCP). It is designed for students who learn best through practical, vocational education in an outdoor setting rather than a traditional classroom.
Who is it for?
The programme is aimed at young people who:
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Want to gain vocational qualifications in a practical environment.
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May have SEND or an EHCP.
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Prefer smaller class sizes and personalised support.
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Are preparing for employment, apprenticeships or further education.
Courses available
Students work towards Entry Level 3 or Level 1 qualifications in vocational subjects, including:
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Horticulture – woodland and land management, conservation, plant identification, habitat creation and use of horticultural equipment.
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Heritage Woodcraft – traditional woodworking techniques, including carving, green woodworking and making items such as bowls, spoons and stools.
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Small Animal Care – caring for animals including rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs and mice, with visits to local animal care and rescue centres.
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Art and Design – drawing, painting, printmaking, crafts, digital photography and graphic design, using the woodland as creative inspiration.
Functional skills and personal development
Alongside vocational learning, all students study:
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Functional Skills English
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Functional Skills Maths
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Employability Skills
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British Values and/or Equality and Diversity
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Industry-relevant qualifications
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Qualifications in Personal Wellbeing
Careers and progression
A key aim of the programme is preparing learners for their next step. Students receive:
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Individual careers guidance.
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Support with job searches and applications.
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Information about local labour market opportunities.
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Links with employers, further education providers and apprenticeship opportunities.
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Opportunities to attend an annual careers fair.
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Opportunity to complete 30+ hours of work experience.
Student support
Hill Holt Wood provides several practical supports to help learners attend and succeed:
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· Free transport from Lincoln, Newark and Gainsborough on our own minibuses driven by our own staff.
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· Free hot lunch.
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· Free personal protective equipment (PPE).
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· An attendance reward scheme worth £5 per day for eligible attendance.
Overall, the Study Programme combines recognised vocational qualifications with functional skills and intensive pastoral and careers support. It is intended to help young people who may not thrive in a conventional college environment gain qualifications, develop employability skills and progress into work, apprenticeships or further education.
How do I join?
CLICK HERE
Horticulture Courses
Available at Entry 3 and Level 1, our Horticulture course focuses on land management from maintaining our own woodland through to participating in local conservation projects. You will gain knowledge in areas including, though not exclusive to, identification and establishment of plants, constructing fences and building natural habitats. You will also have the opportunity to develop skills in the use of industry-specific equipment including strimmer’s and lawn mowers.
Animal Care Courses
We will teach you the knowledge and skills required to effectively care for a variety of small animals including Dogs, Chickens, Mice, Guinea Pigs etc. This course also includes visits to local animal care and rescue centres.
Art & Design
New for September 2025, our Art and Design course includes units to develop drawing and painting skills, printmaking, craft skills and digital photography. Year 2 of the course includes units in printed media, using graphic design and graphics software. Our beautiful woodland is the perfect setting to explore your creativity and build skills in mixed media.
Woodcraft Courses
Also available at Entry 3 and Level 1, this is one of the oldest professions in human history – help play a part in preserving it. We will teach you how to make a range of interesting products from bowls and spoons to stools and other ornamental items. You will develop technical skills using traditional equipment and tools such as pole lathes, carving knives and gouges.
Information for parents and students
Student Handbook 26-27
Term Dates for 26-27
Pastoral Support information document
SEND/SEMH helpful resources
Functional Skills - Maths Overview
Functional Skills - English Overview
Animal Care Overview
Horticulture Overview
Art and Design Overview
Woodcraft Overview
Employability, Enrichment and Pastoral (E.E.P.) Overview
Our qualified Careers Information Advice and Guidance (CIAG) rangers provide ongoing support in identifying and applying for local employment and training opportunities. We offer focused industry-specific careers on an individual and group session basis. Hill Holt Wood’s annual careers fair is attended by local businesses, armed forces and further education providers.
For more information on starting your career we provide a pathway to employment by assisting with Advice & Guidance, as well as a Careers Overview, Please Click the links below.
Our careers board displays current opportunities available locally for our students. For more details relating to labour market information and support with careers guidance you can visit:
nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk
National Careers Service – 0800 100 900
Start your Career
What people say...
The most recent Ofsted inspection (published 29 January 2025) found that Hill Holt Wood continues to be a Good provider.
While it was a short inspection, inspectors highlighted several notable strengths.
Key strengths identified
· A safe, supportive and inclusive environment
Learners are well supported by staff who know them well.
The woodland setting helps many young people who have struggled in traditional education to re-engage with learning.
· Strong personal development
Learners build confidence, resilience and independence.
Students develop positive attitudes to learning and improve their readiness for employment and adult life.
· Practical, vocational learning
The curriculum is highly practical, with meaningful activities in areas such as horticulture, woodcraft, animal care and conservation.
Learning is closely linked to real-life skills and employment opportunities.
· Support for learners with SEND
Around 60% of learners have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Trustees reported that leaders respond well to individual learner needs, helping learners succeed on their chosen pathways.
· Dedicated leadership and staff
Leaders and trustees were recognised for maintaining the quality of provision.
During staffing changes, trustees noted that leaders prioritised both learner needs and staff wellbeing.
Strengths from the previous full inspection (2018)
The 2024 inspection confirmed the provider remains "Good," while the last full inspection in 2018 gives more detail about what inspectors valued:
· Staff provide a safe, nurturing environment where learners make significant gains in personal development.
· Learners develop excellent practical skills in woodcraft, construction and environmental work.
· Learners gain a strong respect for the environment and take pride in conservation projects.
· Trustees have a clear commitment to supporting disadvantaged young people and challenging leaders to improve outcomes.
· Teaching and learning had improved substantially since the previous inspection, leading to better learner outcomes.
Overall picture
Across its recent inspections, Hill Holt Wood's consistent strengths are:
· strong pastoral care
· effective support for learners with additional needs
· engaging outdoor and vocational education
· development of confidence, independence and employability
· committed leadership and staff.
What do our Learners say?
Pupil Voice was collected via an anonymous questionnaire during the Spring Term 2026. Students were joined by a Learning Support Ranger to assist with reading and responding.
“I enjoy being here”
“The teachers are kind, and they help with work if I need it”
“I can go at my own speed and don’t have to rush”
“I can see all the staff are helpful and want the best for us, and they are easy to talk to”
“Calm nature”
“It’s very chill and relaxed here, it’s not crowded and overwhelming like other colleges”
“Being myself without judgement”
“I get the help I need to get on and to understand what I need to do with my work”
“100 x better than mainstream colleges”
“It’s an easy and welcome environment”
“Being spoken to like I’m a human, and like I’m an adult”
“Teachers take the time to understand what you need to progress”
“It is much more relaxed than a mainstream setting, and I like that”
Vocational Training Courses in Lincolnshire
Register your interest
Please complete the form, by following the link below, to register your interest for the HHW Study Programme for next year. If you would like more information, please either follow the link below directing you to our enquiry form, or alternatively call / email us using the contact information provided:
Email: admin@hillholtwood.com
Telephone: 01636 892 836