OAKLANDS COLLEGE’S
100-year history 1921
Oaklands College, as it is known today, started out as the ‘Hertfordshire College of Agriculture and Horticulture’. Oaklands begun its service to the community by taking ex-service men of the First World War for training under the Officers’ Agricultural Training Scheme, and during the war, as many of the colleges normal courses were curtailed, Women’s Land Army members received their training at the college. Oaklands welcomed its first cohort of students in 1921. Seen posing for a photo outside the Mansion House at the St Albans campus, John Hunter Smith’ stands with Sir Harry Lauder on the backrow. Sir Harry was a famous Scottish singer and comedian, well known for filming skits with the iconic Charlie Chaplin in the late 1910s.
1952
An early example of the Oaklands College student magazine in its simpler form. The magazine was a yearly edition which covered all of the key stories throughout the year.
1958
Aspiring nursery nurses and police cadets were able to sample careers within the industry as bespoke courses began to broaden the curriculum. In the present day, students looking to pursue a career within the same field can study Childcare & Early Years at our Welwyn Garden City Campus, or Public Services at our St Albans Campus.
1979
Have you picked up a copy of one of our course guides recently? This example from the 1979/80 prospectus shows you how far the design has come over the years in comparison to our latest course guide for 2022/23.
1921
1936
The first Oaklands Rugby Football Team was established in 1936 and paved the way for what is now the elite Oaklands Wolves Sports Academies at the college, with teams in men’s and women’s basketball, football, rugby, cycling, athletics, hockey and women’s netball academies. The majority of the students pictured became farmers, but J. S. Pugh (circled), was sadly killed serving his country in the Second World War 6
Autumn Issue 2021
1950
Founder and first Principal John Hunter Smith’s last year as Principal, after a hugely influential 29 years in the post, stepping down to enjoy a well-deserved retirement. Upon his retirement, John was presented with a TV set (a prestigious gift during the 50s) by a local farmer named Tommy Craig, who coincidentally went on to have two sons (David and Dougal) who would later attend Oaklands as Agricultural students.
1971
1956
Art students painting in traditional 50s fashion; suited blazers and smart dressed garments – a stark contrast to the branded, casual clothing worn by students in the modern day (also pictured).
An image of the staff group from 1971 features a very special member of staff: Leo Boon (circled). Leo has taught and worked at Oaklands College for over 50 years and recently received a Long Service Award from the college. Pictured is Leo outside the same set of stairs leading up to the Sapsed Room, taken in 2021.
