WA College of Agriculture Denmark

The “Denmark School of Agriculture” began in 1942 when students were moved from Narrogin School of Agriculture as it was used as a war convalescent hostel for returned servicemen. Students were boarded in town until the boarding facilities were built in 1947. These facilities catered for up to 40 boys. In 1953 the school was amalgamated with the High school and became known as the “agricultural wing of the Denmark Agricultural Junior High School”. In 1972 it became the “Denmark Agricultural District High School”. Then in 1991 the agricultural wing separated from the high school and became the Denmark Agricultural College for Years 11 and 12. The College purchased temporary accommodation units to take the bed number up to 64, and also offered positions to girls in 1991. The separation from the High School was a significant turning point for the College as numbers were dwindling and many questions were being asked about the viability of the facility.

Since then this College has developed considerably and is considered one of the leading lights in the achievement of educational and training outcomes for young men and women in a diversity of agricultural and related fields. The College runs as full capacity with 95 students. In 2010 the College expanded to admit Year 10 students. The College is part of a consortium with four other agricultural Colleges, now titled WA College of Agriculture, Denmark.

Courses running in Denmark cover a variety of subjects including Viticulture, Metals & Engineering, Small Business Management, Plant and Animal Production and Marketing; Aquaculture, Horticulture, Landcare and Forestry; as well as the traditional classroom subjects such as English, Maths, and Information Technology. Equine Studies were introduced in 2007. Students have the opportunity to attend and participate in a wide variety of agricultural shows, both in Western Australia and interstate. Students also have the option of mainstream, vocational or trades programs.

The operation of the College beef, sheep, dairy, vineyard, horticulture and forestry enterprises involves students in both the practical and business aspects of farming enterprises, with the focus on running these enterprises as commercial operations. The success of College students and 100% employment rate for graduates shows the value of the education gained at the College and we are extremely proud of their achievements.