Taster Event at Bicton College

Our taster days are your chance to get a taste of what college is really like. You will meet our expert teaching staff, get hands-on with real course activities and try out the equipment plus meet other potential students so there are familiar faces when you enrol.

The Bicton College Taster Days are aimed at students aged 14+, in Years 10 and 11, currently at school (or being home tutored) who want to experience a taste of life as a Bicton student for a day and explore ideas for future careers.

You can book a Taster Day in the following subjects:

• Agriculture
• Animal Care
• Arboriculture
• Civil Engineering and Groundworks
• Countryside & Conservation
• Equine
• Progression Pathways
• Land-based Engineering
• Military
• Veterinay Nursing

Everything you need to know about our taster day (FAQs)

What time do I need to arrive?

Please arrive at 9am – registration will be open until 9.30am

The rest of the day looks like this…

• 10.00am – 10.30am – Registration (*10:30am for Progression Pathways)
• 10.30am – 12.00pm – Session one
• 12.00pm – 12.30pm – Lunch
• 12.30pm – 2.00pm – Session two
• 2.00pm – 3.30pm – Information and applications
• 4.30pm – Home time

The last session will finish at 2.00pm, but we encourage parents and guardians to come and ask any questions about applying for courses, the support we offer, transport, accommodation, apprenticeships or anything else you would like to know.

How do I get there?

Please use the Sat Nav postcode EX9 7BH.

Use any of our car parks and on arrival, make your way towards reception (which is in the new building to the right of the mansion house) and you will be met outside the student hall.

Do I need to bring food?

Unfortunately, during half term our amazing café is closed (so you’ll have to wait to try it out!). Therefore we suggest bringing a packed lunch and drinks. We also have vending machines around campus so you may want to bring some cash. Complimentary tea and coffee will also be provided from 3.30pm.

Can parents and guardians come along?

We want to make sure the taster is as close to a day at college as possible, so whilst parents and guardians are very welcome to stay for a cup of tea or coffee, the sessions are for potential students only. However, if you would like to stay to support your child or discuss any additional support they might need, please discuss this with our team beforehand who will be more than happy to make any arrangements necessary.

What else do I need to bring?

In addition to normal clothes, you will need the following depending on which session(s) you choose!

Keep in mind that most of our courses involve being outside at least some of the time so dress for the weather and definitely bring a coat.

Agriculture

Boots with steel toe caps, boiler suit/overalls, trainers, warm coat

Animal care

Wellies, coat

Arboriculture

Wellies, coat

Equine

Wellies, coat, riding gloves and suitable hat (please click here for guidance)

Military & Protective Services

Suitable clothing for outdoor activities – clothes you don’t mind getting wet and/or muddy! Sturdy outdoor footwear – boots if you have them, running/physical training clothes, shower kit, training shoes for running indoors, waterproof coat, change of clothes

Plant Operations & Land-based Engineering

Steel toe capped boots, hard-wearing clothes or overalls

Progression Pathways

Wellies, coat

Countryside

Wellies, coat

PLEASE NOTE: This event is intended for under 16s looking to study at Bicton College

Please only book a ticket for the person looking to studying at Bicton College.

You can bring along as many guests as you would like, they don’t require a ticket