The NFU and BVA were among those calling for the school to be saved, with the NFU writing to the university before Christmas and raising the story in the media to set out its concerns.
In its letter to the Vice-chancellor, Professor Deborah Prentice, the NFU urged the council and general board to reconsider, given the school’s strategic role in veterinary education, research and safeguarding animal and human health.
At a meeting in February, the board agreed that the university would continue to admit students onto the course but there was a need for new leadership in the vet school to address the challenges it faced.
The board acknowledged “the strength of feeling in the community around Cambridge continuing to offer veterinary education”.
Concerns over vet shortages
NFU East Regional Policy Manager Charles Hesketh said: “We are very pleased to see that the University of Cambridge vet school will remain open.
“There is already a national shortage of farm vets, so there were major concerns over the proposals to close this.
“Animal health and welfare is always a top priority for farmers so this change in most welcome. The NFU wrote to the university over this issue, to highlight the impact this closure would have had, and we praise them for engaging with us, for listening and taking this decision.
“It’s vital that we keep that pipeline of skilled, high quality, vets going in the region. The University of Cambridge really is a leader in this sector so hopefully, now this decision has been made, this will continue to be the case for many years to come.”
Risk to flagship farm
In its letter, the NFU had warned that the proposed closure would jeopardise the university’s flagship farm, which is a hub for sustainable farming and practical training.
“Beyond higher education, the farm supports school-age learners as a LEAF demonstration site, fostering agricultural awareness in consumers,” the letter said.
“Its loss would significantly reduce opportunities for future veterinary professionals and undermine efforts to promote sustainability and public engagement in agriculture.”
The letter was signed by NFU East Regional Director Dr Zoe Leach, National Livestock Board Chair David Barton and National Dairy Board Chair Paul Tompkins.
