We have a great deal of experience helping students make the transition from school to college life and, for our residential students and their parents, to make the daunting step of moving away from home for the first time as easy as possible. Here you'll find a range of information to help parents and guardians support their young person's journey.
We know that this can be a worrying time for parents but from the moment students arrive at Hartpury, they will have a network of support around them.
A personal tutor, experienced academic staff and our exceptional facilities – including our new £3.5million College Learning Centre - will help them to reach their academic goals, while our Student Services and Wellbeing teams can help with guidance on everything from finance and accommodation to health and wellbeing, including homesickness.
How we support our college students to be successful in their adult life is just as important to us as grades and qualifications. That’s why all students complete the unique Hartpury Certificate, which evidences the skills, knowledge and experience they have developed with us, giving them the best possible chance of securing the university place they want and opening doors to their dream careers.
Our students' wellbeing is a top priority for us. We’ll support your child to make the most of their Hartpury adventure. From day one, they ’ll have a team of people around them – from their tutor and lecturers, to learning specialists and wellbeing experts – to support with whatever they need.
We help our students to take control of their career development right from their first day at Hartpury. They benefit from enrichment activities, work experience and careers information, advice and guidance to enable them to grow their confidence and attributes for their future pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing where to study is a big decision, for young people and for their parents and guardians, and we’re sure you’ll have a lot of questions. We’re always happy to help but before you pick up the phone or send us an e-mail, why not see if you can find the answer you need in this helpful guide, or better still, come and see us at an Open Day!
What are the tuition fees?
For students under 19 years of age on 31st August (when starting the course) tuition is free for the duration of the course. Registration and examination fees for main qualifications are also free, however you will be required to pay a small educational visits fee to contribute towards trips as part of the course. For further information, please visit our finance page.
What if a student is over 19 and wants to study a college course?
You would need to pay tuition and exam fees, but these fees may be waived in certain circumstances. You will also be required to pay a small educational visits fee to contribute towards trips as part of the course.
Is my child eligible for a sports bursary?
There is a limited fund available from sponsorship income to assist those students who would otherwise be unable to attend college. Your child's appropriate Sports Academy Director will assess eligibility and if your child is a resident sports student with the potential to excel you may get help with boarding fees from this fund. Head to our finance page for more information.
Can I get help with other costs of attending college, such as transport?
If you require financial support towards books, equipment, meals, transport or educational visits fees then you can apply for the Learner Support Fund. This fund is means tested so the allowance you receive will depend on your household income. Further information can be found on our finance page.
Can I get help with accommodation costs?
Your child may be eligible for the Residential Support Grant, which is a means-tested grant that will vary depending on your household income. This is only available to students who do not have access to the same course from another college within 15 miles of their home. More information on this can be found on our finance page.
How much is on-site accommodation?
A full breakdown of accommodation costs can be found on our accommodation page. Room rates include breakfast (Mon-Fri) and utility bills and vary with prices starting lowest for shared twin rooms ranging up to a large single en-suite.
What is living on-site like?
For a lot of students, it will be their first time living away from home but don’t panic, their block will soon feel like a home from home. There are wardens in each complex who ensure everybody who should be present is there and to help students out, if needed. There are separate male or female blocks for students under 18. For further information, take a look at our Student Life section.
Can my child bring their car with them and is there parking?
Yes, students can bring their own cars with them. There is a parking charge for the year and a permit will need to be purchased upon enrolment. There are dedicated student parking spaces at various places around the campus, including adjacent to residential accommodation. For further information, please see go to our transport page.
What is the social life like at Hartpury?
There are a variety of events and activities held throughout the week and the Heroes Common Rooms offers a social space where students can relax with friends. There are also fortnightly day trips, which run at a very reasonable cost!
How far are the closest towns?
The city of Gloucester and Cheltenham town are both close to Hartpury. Gloucester is only five miles away from the campus, while Cheltenham is 10 miles. Both places are clearly signposted and are easily accessible. They have a wide range of shopping, eating and leisure opportunities, including Gloucester Quays, which features outlet shopping, restaurants, bars, cafes and a new cinema as well as regular themed weekends and festivals.
How easy is it to get about without a car?
There is a bus stop on-site next to the sports academy, and a regular service runs throughout the day that takes you into Gloucester city centre. From Gloucester you can easily get trains and buses that
could take you all over the country.
Can I bring my horse with me and what are the livery options?
You can bring your own horse to the college as we have stabling for around 230 horses here. Students can use the college facilities, which include two horse walkers, four indoor schools, three outdoor schools and limited turnout, as well as access by arrangement to the facilities within the Equine Therapy Centre. The Livery Guide will help provide more information, which can be found on our website.
Can I still ride at Hartpury if I don’t bring my own horse?
Yes, there are loan horses available which you can use. Students can also access riding lessons and assessment, as well as joining the student-run equestrian club.
Will I get chance to compete/ watch competitions?
There are a huge variety of events running year round, many of which are open to anyone to compete in depending on your discipline, from unaffiliated dressage to British Showjumping. We also host three major international events with the Showjumping Spectacular, Festival of Dressage and Hartpury Horse Trials, so you will get the chance to see some of the best riders in the world compete
Can I use the sports facilities if I’m not on a sports course?
The gym is available to all students. You just need to buy a gym membership for the academic year. The sports hall can be booked for free throughout the day, depending on availability.
Are recreational sports available?
We offer a wide range of activities available to all students. From volleyball to basketball, hockey and even cheerleading, there is guaranteed to be something which you will enjoy! There are also many opportunities to participate in local sports, clubs and activities around the Gloucestershire area.
What is the Sports Academy?
The academy provides training and competition in our ten sports academies. You need to pay a fee to join which covers areas such as entry costs, access to coaching, training and transport where appropriate. There is regular training which is structured around your study. Each sport can vary so for more information, see the Sports Academy.
Finance
What are the tuition fees?
For students under 19 years of age on 31st August (when starting the course) tuition is free for the duration of the course. Registration and examination fees for main qualifications are also free, however you will be required to pay a small educational visits fee to contribute towards trips as part of the course. For further information, please visit our finance page.
What if a student is over 19 and wants to study a college course?
You would need to pay tuition and exam fees, but these fees may be waived in certain circumstances. You will also be required to pay a small educational visits fee to contribute towards trips as part of the course.
Is my child eligible for a sports bursary?
There is a limited fund available from sponsorship income to assist those students who would otherwise be unable to attend college. Your child's appropriate Sports Academy Director will assess eligibility and if your child is a resident sports student with the potential to excel you may get help with boarding fees from this fund. Head to our finance page for more information.
Can I get help with other costs of attending college, such as transport?
If you require financial support towards books, equipment, meals, transport or educational visits fees then you can apply for the Learner Support Fund. This fund is means tested so the allowance you receive will depend on your household income. Further information can be found on our finance page.
Can I get help with accommodation costs?
Your child may be eligible for the Residential Support Grant, which is a means-tested grant that will vary depending on your household income. This is only available to students who do not have access to the same course from another college within 15 miles of their home. More information on this can be found on our finance page.
Accommodation
How much is on-site accommodation?
A full breakdown of accommodation costs can be found on our accommodation page. Room rates include breakfast (Mon-Fri) and utility bills and vary with prices starting lowest for shared twin rooms ranging up to a large single en-suite.
What is living on-site like?
For a lot of students, it will be their first time living away from home but don’t panic, their block will soon feel like a home from home. There are wardens in each complex who ensure everybody who should be present is there and to help students out, if needed. There are separate male or female blocks for students under 18. For further information, take a look at our Student Life section.
Can my child bring their car with them and is there parking?
Yes, students can bring their own cars with them. There is a parking charge for the year and a permit will need to be purchased upon enrolment. There are dedicated student parking spaces at various places around the campus, including adjacent to residential accommodation. For further information, please see go to our transport page.
Things to do
What is the social life like at Hartpury?
There are a variety of events and activities held throughout the week and the Heroes Common Rooms offers a social space where students can relax with friends. There are also fortnightly day trips, which run at a very reasonable cost!
How far are the closest towns?
The city of Gloucester and Cheltenham town are both close to Hartpury. Gloucester is only five miles away from the campus, while Cheltenham is 10 miles. Both places are clearly signposted and are easily accessible. They have a wide range of shopping, eating and leisure opportunities, including Gloucester Quays, which features outlet shopping, restaurants, bars, cafes and a new cinema as well as regular themed weekends and festivals.
How easy is it to get about without a car?
There is a bus stop on-site next to the sports academy, and a regular service runs throughout the day that takes you into Gloucester city centre. From Gloucester you can easily get trains and buses that
could take you all over the country.
Equine
Can I bring my horse with me and what are the livery options?
You can bring your own horse to the college as we have stabling for around 230 horses here. Students can use the college facilities, which include two horse walkers, four indoor schools, three outdoor schools and limited turnout, as well as access by arrangement to the facilities within the Equine Therapy Centre. The Livery Guide will help provide more information, which can be found on our website.
Can I still ride at Hartpury if I don’t bring my own horse?
Yes, there are loan horses available which you can use. Students can also access riding lessons and assessment, as well as joining the student-run equestrian club.
Will I get chance to compete/ watch competitions?
There are a huge variety of events running year round, many of which are open to anyone to compete in depending on your discipline, from unaffiliated dressage to British Showjumping. We also host three major international events with the Showjumping Spectacular, Festival of Dressage and Hartpury Horse Trials, so you will get the chance to see some of the best riders in the world compete
Sports
Can I use the sports facilities if I’m not on a sports course?
The gym is available to all students. You just need to buy a gym membership for the academic year. The sports hall can be booked for free throughout the day, depending on availability.
Are recreational sports available?
We offer a wide range of activities available to all students. From volleyball to basketball, hockey and even cheerleading, there is guaranteed to be something which you will enjoy! There are also many opportunities to participate in local sports, clubs and activities around the Gloucestershire area.
What is the Sports Academy?
The academy provides training and competition in our ten sports academies. You need to pay a fee to join which covers areas such as entry costs, access to coaching, training and transport where appropriate. There is regular training which is structured around your study. Each sport can vary so for more information, see the Sports Academy.
Our partners & accreditations
