A COLLEGE and university near Ledbury has told all its students that they will need to have the Covid-19 jabs to study there from September.

Hartpury University said its expectation was that all eligible students would take up the offer of their coronavirus vaccinations as soon as possible.

It said it would be mandatory that all eligible students living onsite, as well as those wanting to join or continue with Hartpury’s sports activities outside of timetabled academic sessions, and those who wish to use the university's livery.

"It's highly likely that eligible students who aren't vaccinated will be limited in terms of access to student social events and venues on the Hartpury campus, amongst other limitations," Hartpury said on its website.

"This is in-line with the national picture, where vaccination proof may be required in the autumn for entertainment/hospitality for all adults."

As for Hartpury College, which runs services for its Herefordshire students, requirements were slightly different as most students would be under 18.

College students aged 16 and 17 who live in onsite residential accommodation would be required to evidence at least one vaccination dose before their return after the autumn 2021 half term, in order to move back in.

This date also applies to students aged 16 or 17 who wish to join or continue with Hartpury’s sports activities outside of timetabled academic sessions, and those who wish to use the college's livery.

College students aged 18 and over who live in onsite residential accommodation, want to play sport or use the livery, would be required to evidence at least one vaccination dose in order to enrol and move into accommodation at the start of the academic year in September 2021.

This date also applies to students aged 18 or over who wish to join/continue with Hartpury’s sports activities outside of timetabled academic sessions, and those who wish to use Hartpury’s livery.

"Students who are not intending to engage with the vaccination programme will still be able to access their programme of learning onsite, but will not be able to reside in Hartpury onsite accommodation," the college said.

"Whilst we appreciate that some 16 and 17-year-old college students, or students from outside of the UK, may not yet have received their invitation for Covid-19 vaccines, it is important for all students to follow our testing regime to benefit from engaging in student social events, to join sports squads and use our livery.

"All onsite residential and livery students and sports team members must engage with Covid-19 testing at our asymptomatic test centre every three to five days."

Hartpury University and Hartpury College provide courses in agriculture, animal, equine, sport and veterinary nursing.

Located in Gloucestershire, but around 12 miles from Ledbury and popular with Herefordshire learners, the 360-hectare campus has more than 4,000 university and college-level students.