Animal Management

Bede’s Animal Management course centers around Bede’s Zoo, a unique on-site facility housing over 50 species of animals. Key course highlights include:

• Great facilities: Learning takes place in a bespoke Animal Management Unit & Zoo with mammals, birds and reptiles on site. Partnerships: Pupils work with experts from Drusillas Zoo, Port Lympne Reserve and Knockhatch Park alongside other UK collections.
• Real conservation: Bede's work with ZSL London Zoo & Wildwood to breed and release Dormice into the wild, as well as Nyosi Reserve in South Africa, protecting rare ecosystems.  
• Assessment: Balanced between coursework (66%) and external exams (33%).

Pupils complete the Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (equivalent to one A Level) benefiting from a blend of academic theory and "hands-on" husbandry experience.  Core units include: Animal Welfare and Ethics, Animal Health and Disease, Animal Behaviour, Work Experience at Drusilla's Zoo and Bede's Zoo and Practical Animal Handling & Husbandry.

Absolutely! You don't need to be enrolled in the BTEC to get stuck in at the zoo. In activities we run the Zoological Society: This popular activity runs Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays (14:45–16:45). It’s open to all pupils, allowing you to assist with daily feeding, cleaning, and animal husbandry in our unique school zoo. Saturday Enrichment: Specifically for boarders, this session runs every Saturday (10:00–12:00). It focuses on "environmental enrichment" - designing puzzles and activities to keep our resident animals mentally and physically stimulated, as well as feeding and husbandry tasks. Both activities offer the perfect way to de-stress while gaining unique husbandry experience.

Bede’s Zoo is involved in several conservation efforts, providing pupils with unique, real world impact. In partnership with The Wildwood Trust, Paignton Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, our Hazel Dormouse programme has successfully bred and released over 40 dormice into the wild in England. We are one of only two European sites housing the rare Grandidier’s Vontsira (Madagascan mongoose) alongside Chester Zoo. Additionally, we manage critically endangered Belted Black and White Ruffed Lemurs within the EEP and maintain a stable population of Turquoise Dwarf Geckos to help combat the illegal pet trade. Internationally, our Nyosi outreach in South Africa supports vital biodiversity and community education.

Yes! Every First Year pupil at Bede’s gets hands-on experience at the Zoo through The Flourish Project carousel. Over a four-week period, you will complete 8 hours of dedicated conservation and animal education. This introductory course is designed to pique your curiosity and includes: Animal Handling & Feeding: Get up close with species like owls and small mammals. Health & Ethics: Learn how to health-check pets and discuss the ethics of animals in captivity. Wildlife Conservation: Explore how zoos protect endangered species both locally and globally. It’s the perfect "taster" before deciding whether to join the Zoological Society or pursue the BTEC later on.

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Animal Management is a versatile "door-opener." Because it carries UCAS points (equivalent to one A Level), it’s highly valued for both university applications and direct entry into the industry. Here is where the qualification can take you:

1. University & Higher Education Many students use the UCAS points to progress to degree-level study in fields such as: Zoology or Marine Biology, Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Veterinary Nursing (often as a springboard to a BSc), Wildlife Conservation and Ecology, Bioveterinary Science (when taken with A Level Chemistry and Biology).
2. Direct Career Paths. If you prefer to head straight into the workforce, this qualification prepares you for "hands-on" roles, including: Zookeeping: Working in collections like those at Drusillas, Knockhatch, London or Chester Zoo. Veterinary Support: Working as a Veterinary Care Assistant. Welfare & Rescue: Roles within the RSPCA, Dogs Trust, or specialized wildlife rehabilitation centres. Animal Training: Working with assistance dogs or in behavioral therapy. Research & Education: Becoming an education officer in a zoo or a technician in a research lab.
3. Specialised Industry Roles. With the experience gained at the Bede’s Zoo, pupils are also well-placed for niche careers in: Conservation Officers: Managing breeding programmes (like our Dormice or Geckos). Ecological Consultancy: Surveying habitats for local government or private firms. Pet Sector Management: Running high-end boarding, grooming, or retail establishments.