The College's range of provision has given it the leadership role amongst colleges of the land-based industries in the United Kingdom during the past two decades and a number of its specialist courses have spread the name of Sparsholt around the world. During the February and March inspection week, the Inspection Team spoke to representatives of the staff, the students, governors, students' parents and representatives of the local community and employers from all sections of the land-based industries. The report quotes students' parents in particular, as speaking well of the impartiality of the interview process for full-time students and of the care taken to ensure that applicants are placed on the most appropriate course. The Principal, Dr Len Norman, commented that he was delighted with the Inspectors' Report. A copy of the full report, published by the Further Education Funding Council on 19th June 1997 is available on application to the College.
Students are enthusiastic about their studies.
The Inspectors' report confirmed the high academic success rates of the College. As might be expected from such good results, teaching standards are high. The information room which is used to provide students with current data from the farm records is well kept. The equine unit has two stable blocks and an outdoor arena. The animal management unit has a new, purpose-built centre which provides excellent facilities for small animals.