Hadlow College in Kent has become the first college in the UK to offer students a dedicated falconry qualification. The training, which is delivered in partnership with Willows Bird of Prey Centre in Sevenoaks, gives students the chance to gain practical and theoretical experience with birds of prey while working towards the nationally recognised RAPTOR Award.
Traditionally, aspiring falconers trained directly with private training centres. Recognising the need to bring structured skills and career pathways into this growing sector, Hadlow College has developed a programme with Willows to integrate an optional falconry qualification into its Level 3 Animal Management curriculum.
Students complete the course in six-week blocks, working in small groups of 12 from an average year group of 48. The programme covers all aspects of falconry, including husbandry, legal requirements, safety procedures, and free-flying birds. Willows bring up to three birds per session, providing direct mentorship and practical training.
“The Bird of Prey sector has expanded significantly over the past decade, with experiences, demonstrations, pest control and breeding to name a few, all driving demand for skilled practitioners,” said Talia Hassan, Manager at Willows Bird of Prey Centre.
“The education side of falconry is something we’ve been keen to develop and partnering with Hadlow College allows us to give back to the next generation of falconers. We also offer lifelong mentorship, enabling students to continue volunteering and gaining experience as their careers progress.”
Jo Saunders, Head of Curriculum, Animal Management at Hadlow College said, “We’re giving our students a unique opportunity achieve a nationally recognised qualification, gain hands-on experience and prepare for careers in an exciting and growing industry.”
The Raptor Awards certificate is the only nationally recognised qualification that focuses on the responsible keeping, training, and flying of birds of prey, with bird of prey welfare at its heart. It is awarded in the final part of the course, following successful completion of both theoretical and practical assessments.
Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills at Hadlow College’s upcoming Lambing Weekend on Saturday 25 April and Sunday 26 April 2026.
