Student experience

Just a short bus ride from Guildford town centre in Worplesdon, Merrist Wood College is a 400-acre, multi-award- winning college that specialises in the land-based industries.

What we offer

Located three miles from Guildford town centre in Worplesdon, the college dates back as early as 1318. 

We are widely recognised by industry specialists for our training excellence and many successes at RHS Chelsea and Hampton Court Flower Shows. Work from the estate has been seen across the world! 

The indoor riding arena is one of the largest of any college in the country and we are home to a large, diverse range of animals in our Animal Management Centre.  

Other facilities include specially designed studios and workshops for floristry, garden design, horticulture and landscaping and access to an adjoining 18-hole golf course. 

We offer a range of courses from one-day workshops and short courses, to diplomas and certificates, with progression right up to degree level. Success rates are higher than the national benchmarks, and our tutors are experienced industry professionals.  

To further help you, we have a comprehensive student support team that can assist with applications, securing funding, careers guidance and personal tutoring, to name just a few services! 

Our staff and students 

Our dedicated and industry experienced teaching staff make learning fun and engaging and give you the responsibility and independence you need to take charge of your own future. And, to help you with the transition, we have a comprehensive student support team that can assist with applications, securing funding, careers guidance and personal tutoring, to name just a few services! 

“Teachers are well-qualified subject specialists, who use their knowledge skilfully to explain concepts clearly and successfully stimulate learners’ interest so that they are enquiring learners.” Ofsted 2022

Facilities 

On the 400-acre estate with woodlands, wetlands, livestock, gardens and grasslands, as well as a campus nursery, workshops and design studios. 

We also have football and rugby pitches, one of the largest indoor riding arenas of any college in the country and one of the top centres in the south east as well as two fully accredited cross-country courses and stabling for up to 40 horses! 

Facilities for work and play including well-stocked learning resource centres; shops; cafés and students’ unions, with spaces to relax and socialize. 

Why Merrist Wood College?

  • Clear routes of progression with qualifications ranging from foundation level to degree level!
  • Industry experienced teaching staff give you the responsibility and independence you need to take charge of your own future.
  • 80+

    courses available 

  • 400

    acres of multi-award-winning outdoor classrooms 

  • 700+

    years of teaching; our college dates back to 1318

View our facilities