There are open days, and then there are Plumpton College open days.

They can often be drab affairs, where you’ll be given a tour of a school or university’s self-acclaimed “state-of-the-art” facilities.

Chuck in a question and answer sessions with a headteacher and maybe a free filter coffee and that’s usually your lot.

But at Plumpton on Saturday, the thousands of people who attended could take part in anything from tractor rides to gundog and terrier racing.

The open day, run in association with the Sussex Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs, aimed to give a taste of what is on offer at the unique college.

Specialising in land-based courses, the college offers a range of subjects not found in mainstream schools from winemaking to floristry.

Up to 10,000 turned out on the weekend and headteacher Des Lambert said: “All the staff and students work very hard to make open day a success. “It takes a lot of work to put on the event, and we should be all very pleased and proud at the outcome. “Visitors had an ideal opportunity to see the range of provision from each department. “It was busy with activity and visitors across the whole of the estate and we received a lot of very favourable comments about the college.”

Also on offer on the day were equine displays, forestry demonstrations including tree-climbing skills, floristry competition, farm displays, dog grooming, falconry, sheep shearing and clay pigeon shooting.

A school spokeswoman said: “The open day at Plumpton College is a great day out to experience all courses in action. “In addition to the opportunity to discuss courses and careers in the areas in which the college specialises, the open day enables visitors to see the college in action. “It is a very popular event with many additional attractions and normally over 10,000 people attending.” “Visitors can get specialist courses and careers advice. “As part of the commitment to informing young people about the courses, apprenticeships and training programmes, we offer free entry to open day for those aged 16 and under.

“As part of a whole series of onsite attractions, local businesses, charities and other organisations are invited to exhibit and trade on the day.”

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Although the main site is in Ditchling Road near Lewes, the college also has a number of secondary sites – Netherfield near Battle, Robertsbridge in Flimwell, Stanmer Park in Brighton and Snowdonia in North Wales.

It also caters for higher education students and offers degrees in partnership with the University of Brighton.

In the academic year 2013-14, Plumpton College recorded a turnover of £16 million.

After the resignation of headteacher Des Lambert, the college is in the process of recruiting a new principal.