School Farm
About Our Farm
Norton College is a small secondary school and sixth form located in North Yorkshire. The college sits in a deeply rural catchment extending into Ryedale to the north, the Yorkshire Wolds to the south, and west through the Vale of Pickering towards Scarborough.
Our local industries are closely linked to food production, food processing, forestry and rural tourism — all sectors currently facing well-publicised skills shortages.
The school farm originally operated until 2014, when it was closed due to financial constraints. It was proudly re-opened in April 2022 and has since developed significantly, both in its facilities and in the level of student involvement from across the school.
Facilities and Layout
The School Farm covers approximately 1.8 acres and features a main building measuring 66’ x 44’, purpose-built as an animal house. It is divided into eight main areas — six suitable for farm livestock, one for small animals or storage, and one as an open tool store/potting shed to support both the animals and garden.
Each numbered area on the image corresponds to the key below:
- School Farm
- School Farm Paddock
- School Farm Paddock
- School Farm Paddock
- School Farm Paddock
- Allotment Growing Area
- Livestock Handling Area
- Animal Care Classroom
Learning and Enrichment
Our school farm plays an important role in supporting our animal care education, taught to students in Years 7, 10 and 11 through our formal curriculum.
In addition, students from all year groups can take part in a range of enrichment opportunities during lunchtimes and after school. We also welcome pupils from our local primary feeder schools, who regularly visit as part of our transition offer.
Through these experiences, students gain first-hand knowledge of animal husbandry, environmental awareness, and teamwork — essential skills for life and future careers.
Our Animals
The farm is home to a growing collection of animals that our students help to care for, including:
Guinea pigs, rabbits, pigs, sheep, goats, turkeys, chickens, tortoises and hamsters.
Community and Support
Our school farm is proudly supported by a wide range of local businesses and community partners, whose generosity has enabled this facility to flourish.
We are extremely grateful for their continued support.
If you are interested in supporting our school farm or would like to learn more about the work we do, please get in touch with us.
