Reaseheath College
Reaseheath College & University Centre is a specialist land-based educational institution located in Nantwich, Cheshire, United Kingdom. Established in 1921, it has evolved from a farm institute to offer a wide range of further and higher education courses in agricultural and land-based subjects, playing a role in training and professional development within these sectors.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1921 as the Cheshire School of Agriculture.
- ›Began offering higher education in 1988.
- ›Became University Centre Reaseheath (UCR) in 2016.
- ›Offers courses in over a dozen land-based and vocational fields.
- ›Can accommodate approximately 1,000 residential students.
- ›Sold to the Glover Agriculture Group in 2023.

About Reaseheath College
Reaseheath College & University Centre
Reaseheath College & University Centre, situated in Nantwich, Cheshire, United Kingdom, is a prominent specialist land-based educational institution. Its origins trace back to 1921 when it was established as The Cheshire School of Agriculture, initially admitting only male students. Female students were welcomed starting in 1926. The college has since undergone several name changes, becoming The Cheshire College of Agriculture in 1967 and Reaseheath College in 1993.
History and Development
The history of the Reaseheath site is extensive, with evidence suggesting a Roman road passing through the area. The Cheshire County Council purchased the Reaseheath estate and nearby Henhull Hall in 1919, leading to the establishment of the School of Agriculture two years later. During World War II, the college's facilities were adapted for training Women's Land Army recruits, a significant contribution that garnered royal commendation for Cheshire. The site also hosted staff from the War Agricultural Executive Committee and the National Milk Testing and Advisory Service during this period.
In 1988, Reaseheath began offering higher education programs, and in 2009, it became an Associate College of the University of Chester. This progression culminated in its recognition as University Centre Reaseheath (UCR) in 2016. As of 2023, the college was sold by Cheshire County Council to the Glover Agriculture Group for £125 million.
Academic Offerings
Reaseheath College provides a broad curriculum encompassing courses in agriculture, agricultural engineering, animal management, horticulture, equine studies, and construction, among others. University Centre Reaseheath, sharing the same campus, offers higher education degrees and foundation degrees in specialized areas such as Animal Science, Equine Science, Rural Business Management, Conservation, and Food Science. These higher education courses are delivered in conjunction with the University of Chester.
Campus and Facilities
The main campus is located at Reaseheath, with additional Outreach Centres in Merseyside and Oldham. The site provides residential accommodation for approximately 1,000 students across both further and higher education levels. Marcus Clinton serves as the current Principal of Reaseheath College.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Reaseheath College established?
Reaseheath College was established in 1921 as The Cheshire School of Agriculture. It has since evolved and expanded its offerings over the decades.
What type of courses does Reaseheath College offer?
Reaseheath College offers a diverse range of courses in land-based and vocational subjects, including agriculture, animal management, horticulture, equine studies, and construction. University Centre Reaseheath also provides higher education degrees in related fields.
What is the history of female students at Reaseheath College?
Originally, Reaseheath College was established to admit only male students. Female students were first allowed to join in 1926, marking an important step in the college's inclusivity.
What role did Reaseheath College play during World War II?
During World War II, the School of Agriculture was utilized for training recruits for the Women's Land Army (WLA). Over a thousand WLA recruits completed their courses there, earning royal commendation for Cheshire.
What is the current ownership of Reaseheath College?
In 2023, Reaseheath College was sold by Cheshire County Council to the Glover Agriculture Group. Glover Agriculture now operates the ownership of the land, with Cheshire County Council as their main client.
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