Specialist Education

At Lufton College, our animals play an important role in student learning and wellbeing. Each animal is well cared for and valued as part of our college community.

 

Donkeys

We are home to three much-loved donkeys who share a very strong bond and do not like to be separated. They originally came from another Cambian school in the north of England. One of our donkeys, Sheamus, is a retired Blackpool beach donkey, while the other two are mother and son, Tilly and Star. All three are extremely friendly and enjoy gentle walks around the college site.

 

Lufton College Donkey Lufton College Donkeys

 

Ferrets

We have two lively ferrets named Ace and Maverick. They are curious, playful characters and are always popular with students.

 

Lufton College Dark Ferret Lufton College Light Ferret

 

Rare Breed Livestock

We are proud to care for a number of rare breed animals at Lufton College. Our flock includes 10 sheep, 9 of which are rare breeds:

  • Three Jacob sheep

  • Four Welsh Mountain sheep

  • Two Kerry Hill sheep

We also have two Golden Guernsey goats, a rare breed, named Toothless and Fang. Alongside them are four pygmy goats and an Anglo-Nubian cross goat called Boris, who particularly enjoys plenty of attention and a good fuss from the students.

 

Lufton College White And Black Sheep Lufton College Sheep Lufton College Goat

 

Parrots

One of our parrots, Ozzy, is a rescued Patagonian Conure. After living on his own for a long time, he now shares his space happily with three companions: two Ring-necked Parakeets called Pickle and Beans, and a Red-headed Conure named Harry.

 

Degus

We have two degus called Pip and Squeek. These small, social animals are fascinating to observe and are well loved by both staff and students.

 

Lufton College Degu

 

George the Farm Cat

George is our resident farm cat. He was rescued from the RSPCA in Bournemouth and now enjoys life as an outdoor cat at Lufton College. George is a calm and friendly presence around the site and has settled beautifully into his special home.

 

Alpacas

We are also home to three alpacas, Tom, Jerry and Graham. Students are actively involved in their daily care.

Find out more about or Alpacas here.

 

Birds

We also have small birds such as finches, canaries and diamond doves alongside the parrots, helping students build confidence and develop calm, positive interactions with birds.

 

Developing Practical Animal Care Skills

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Governors support leaders well. They enable leaders to realise their ambitious curriculum strategy by supporting the development of new animal management, land-based and horticultural training facilities. Consequently, this has increased the opportunities students have to practise new skills and gain new knowledge such as how to care for a wide range of animals and how to propagate plants for external organisations.

- Ofsted Report July 2025

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Exciting Additions to Our Animal Care Provision

 Alpacas At Lufton

We’re delighted to welcome three new alpacas; Tom, Jerry and Graham, who have already settled in well and are proving very popular with students.

Alongside new small bird species, these additions are expanding hands-on animal care opportunities and helping students build confidence through practical learning.

Click here to read the full story.