The Heronsgate Hens Story
At Heronsgate School, our chickens are more than just feathered friends—they’re part of our school family. The story of the Heronsgate Hens began with a simple but heartfelt question from our School Council during the Headteacher interviews: “Can we have a school pet?” That moment sparked a journey that has brought learning, laughter, and lots of eggs to our playground.
Mrs. Edwards, our former Headteacher, had a deep love for animals and a passion for helping children understand where their food comes from. Her suggestion of chickens was met with excitement, and thanks to the enthusiasm of our pupils and the support of our parent fundraising group, the idea quickly took flight.
In May 2015, Florence, Poppy, and Bella arrived—our first trio of hens, complete with a cosy new home. Within days, they were laying eggs and settling in beautifully. School Council led the way, researching housing, budgeting costs, and even training to care for the hens. They passed on their knowledge to other pupils, and now every class takes turns looking after our flock, learning about hygiene, feeding, and gentle handling.
Later that year, our compassionate pupils responded to an appeal from a rescue farm and welcomed three ex-battery hens: Elvis (yes, she’s a girl!), Chicketa, and KFC. These brave girls arrived with sparse feathers and wide eyes, curious about the sky and wind. Our wonderful community rallied together, knitting chicken jumpers to keep them warm. Slowly but surely, they found their feet—and their place in our hearts.
Since then, our flock has grown to include Boots, a cheeky little Bantam, and we’ve upgraded to a more practical henhouse thanks to Friends of Heronsgate (FoH) continued support. The children take great pride in caring for the hens, collecting eggs, and learning about their needs. For some, simply sitting quietly with a hen on their lap has become a calming and joyful experience.
Eggs are sold daily from reception, and the proceeds go straight back into feeding and caring for our hens. It’s a beautiful cycle of responsibility, community, and kindness.
Though Mrs. Edwards has retired, her legacy lives on in every cluck, peck, and egg laid. Our chickens continue to teach us about empathy, sustainability, and the joy of nurturing life.
