FAIRFIELD Farm College has been selected to appear in The Good Schools Guide for the first time.

The Dilton Marsh college, which caters for 16-25 year olds with moderate and severe learning disabilities, was picked out for its dedication to helping students grow in confidence and gain valuable work experience.

Farming students at the college look after livestock, horticulture students grow all the produce used and sold by the college and the engineering students fix mechanical problems with equipment, which impressed the guide's representatives.

Principal of the college, Tina Pagett, said: "We are not a conventional 'school' so we were thrilled to be approached by The Good Schools Guide to work with us.

"Their representative spent nearly a whole day with us, talking to staff and students as well as contacting parents and really taking time to find out about Fairfield's values and aspirations for our young people.

"It is wonderful to be listed in the guide and is a credit to the team here at Fairfield, that are so committed to meeting the needs of our learners."

The college, which is also a registered charity, features a brand new multi-use sports pitch, an outdoor learning area and a café which is popular with both students and the wider community.

Bernadette John, director for the guide, said: “Students can choose from courses based on meaningful work which often leads them into employment.

“One of the most popular courses is horse studies, and two leavers have gained apprenticeships in stables over the past two years.”