Farmyard animals will soon live on school grounds as pupils learn how to care for their welfare.
Children at Pebble Brook School in Aylesbury will return after the Easter holidays to find rabbits, guinea-pigs, ducks and chickens on a new urban farm in the grounds.
The Churchill Avenue school, for children aged 11-16 with learning needs, won funding through the Mix 96 Community Challenge 2013.
So now, with the help of the Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust and alongside Travis Perkins, Enterprise and Amey, an urban farm and small classroom is being built.
Children from all year groups will then be able to enjoy the farm, worth £10,000, while working towards a unique ‘small animal care’ qualification.
Headteacher David Miller said Year 10 and 11 pupils currently learn about animals but had to travel 40 minutes to do so.
“At the moment, we have to drive to Dunstable but now we have our own facility.
“We are excited about coming back on the first day after the holidays and are planning a big opening ceremony with parents, pupils and special guests.
“We will be introducing various specialist qualifications at various levels for the pupils to use at college or beyond into the workplace.”
Andrew Rysdale, head of asset management at the trust, said: “Pebble Brook’s idea opens the door to a whole new way of learning.
“The fact that it will be integrated into the pupil’s curriculum, with the prospect of gaining a qualification, is an outstanding opportunity.
“And one that we have had the pleasure of being involved in from start to finish.” Pebble Brook School, rated ‘good’ by Ofsted in December, is a community special school for more than 100 boys and girls with moderate learning difficulties.