Wolsingham School students to hold farming demonstration

Pupils at Wolsingham School are set to swap school shoes for boots and wellies on November 19 to show their support for the agricultural sector.

The mastermind behind the demo is 15-year-old Jack Collins from Eastgate - who drummed up interest from across the school and managed to get over 100 of his fellow students on board.

Wolsingham School. The year 11 student, who is studying for his GCSEs, said he hopes it will translate into more education about farming in school settings.

"We want to bring some recognition to farmers in our local area - there are so many where we are from. I want them to know that we, the younger generation, support them," Jack said.

"We do know that there are issues there including struggles that have come from the recent budget which will affect many across the whole country.

"They are so vital - anything we can do to help is really important."

As well as the students, Jack also has the backing from staff at Wolsingham School and has persuaded the head teacher to agree to more PSHE lessons on the importance of farming.

Jack added: "Personally, I'm not from a farming family but I do look around at the beautiful, rural area I live in and it's all run by farmers.

Jack Collins, 15. (Image: JACK COLLINS) "I speak to them and hear about the crisis we have going on. I thought, if I can make a stand, it could show our support.

"I spoke to teachers as I wanted to do it in a friendly way that doesn't disrupt school. So, that's when I came up with wearing out boots to school.

"It won't distract us from our learning."

Jack's demonstration comes weeks after Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced new taxes and measures which will hit assets owned by farmers.

Under plans announced in the Budget, inheritance tax will be charged at 20% on agricultural assets above £1 million, although Ms Reeves has said that in some cases the threshold could in practice be about £3 million.

The plans have caused a huge outcry, and various rallies have been planned in London on November 19.

Following the announcement, a A UK Government spokesperson said: “This budget took the difficult decisions to fix the public services crumbling across the United Kingdom, including Scotland, and address the £22 billion fiscal black hole inherited from the previous government.

“With 40% of agricultural property relief going to the 7% of wealthiest claimants, we made the decision to ensure the relief is fiscally sustainable.

“Around 500 claims each year will be impacted and farm-owning couples can pass on up to £3 million without paying any inheritance tax – this is a fair and balanced approach.”