Over 6,000 school children across Sussex and Surrey have had the rare chance to care for a ewe and her lambs at school, thanks to the ‘Loan a Lamb’ scheme, an initiative run by the South of England Agricultural Society’s Education Committee. Initially designed for primary schools, this year for the first time, students at a connected secondary school also took part.
Now in its fifth year, this unique, hands-on farming experience has reached over 18,000 students at 54 different schools since it began in 2022.
In 2026, 18 schools took part in the scheme, including:
- West Sussex: Bolnore Village Primary School (Haywards Heath), Waterfield Primary School (Crawley), St Margarets Catholic Primary School (Crawley), William Penn Primary School (Coolham), Funtington Primary School (Chichester), Felbridge Primary School, St Peters Primary School (Cowfold), Woodlands Mead Primary School (Burgess Hill), and Bohunt Primary and Secondary School (Horsham).
- East Sussex: Ditchling C of E Primary School, Saltdean Primary School, Rudyard Kipling Primary School (Brighton & Hove), Annecy Catholic Primary School (Seaford), Oakwood Primary School (Eastbourne), Harbour Primary School (Newhaven), Greenfields Primary School (Forest Row), and Lancing Prep Hove.
- Surrey: The Mead Infant and Nursery School (Epsom)
With increasing concerns about children being disconnected from where their food comes from, the Loan a Lamb scheme is designed to tackle the issue head-on. By bringing real farm animals into schools, the scheme bridges the gap between children and the production of food and other animal products, as well as teaching about animal care and inspiring future interest in the agricultural sector.
The initiative, which is run in partnership with local farmers, LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) Education and financially supported by the East Sussex Proficiency Test Committee, saw each participating school host a ewe and her lambs in a specially provided hutch for a week. Schools received all necessary equipment, guidance and support to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare and learning.
The event also attracted interest from a local MP with Mims Davies, MP for East Grinstead and Uckfield, going along to Felbridge Primary School, near East Grinstead, to see the initiative in action and meet the children involved.
Speaking about the importance and impact of the programme, Alan Smith, Chairman of the South of England Agricultural Society and Education Committee member, said:
“Many children are growing up without a true understanding of how food is produced, with little to no connection with farming, and often don’t realise the hard work and dedication that goes into producing the food on their plates. This disconnect has profound implications for the future of agriculture.
“The Society has a primary focus of agricultural education, and thanks to some fantastic local farmers, Loan a Lamb is our way of giving students a hands-on experience of caring for animals, learning about their welfare and understanding the importance of sustainable food production.”
Alan concluded:
“The enthusiasm and care students show the animals is incredible, and it is clear from previous feedback from schools that this initiative has a lasting impact. Teachers have told us how it sparked curiosity, empathy and even aspirations for careers in farming and animal care. Some students who had never seen a sheep up close have gone on to visit farms, explore agricultural studies and develop a respect for the industry. That is why we are so passionate about Loan a Lamb – it’s not just a one-week experience; it’s a foundation for lifelong learning.”
For more information on how schools can get involved in future programmes, visit www.seas.org.uk.
