ST Augustine’s Priory in Ealing has been rated Highly Commended in both the Girls School and the Green Award categories of the Independent Schools Awards for 2018.

Many do not know that St Augustine’s has its own farm hidden within its 13 acres of land, complete with chickens, micro-pigs and an endangered variety of sheep.

On the farm, girls become farm managers and care for the animals – including at weekends and holidays. It is believed to be the only school in London to have a farm.

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Sheep are rotated around the grounds, reducing the need for using lawn mowers, while pigs’ droppings are used as manure in the allotment where girls, parents and staff grow vegetables.

Sixth-formers preparing for veterinary science applications are learning problem-solving in animal husbandry, including lambing. Neighbouring schools bring their nursery classes to visit.

Sarah Raffray, head teacher at St Augustine’s, said “Science proves that time spent outdoors increases emotional wellbeing. We are encouraging green time, not screen time.”