Between July 2025 and the date of the Basic Beekeeper Examination in 2026

(the 2024  examination was held on 15 June. We anticipate the 2025 examination to be held in mid June and the 2026 exam at about the same time in 2026) 

What Will I Learn?

The management and manipulation of a colony of honey bees over the period of one year. How to use the equipment required to undertake the hive management tasks, including the smoker, the hive tool, bee brush, varroa board, mouse guard and feeding equipment. Also, the maintenance and cleaning of the equipment and hive parts. Assembling the hive frames, fitting the foundation in the frames and spacing the frames in the brood chamber and supers of the hive. Harvesting and processing honey. The life cycle of the bee bee and swarm prevention and management.

Hive Records

Pests and diseases of the honeybee together with their prevention and treatment. How to avoid and treat stings. Health and safety in the apiary.

The topics will be covered in one to one discussions with your mentor and during monthly meetings, forum meetings and other training events.

Can I sit an Examination?

The aim of the course is to provide both the theoretical knowledge and the practical experience to prepare you to keep and manage your own bees.

In addition it will prepare you for the Scottish Beekeepers Association  Basic Beekeeping examination - the first step in the SBA examinations system. The oral and over the hive practical examination normally takes place in June/July at the association Newbattle teaching apiary using the colony of bees you have managed over the year of the course.

When Can I Start & What will it Cost?

The 12-month course starts with an induction session with our education lead and the first meeting with your mentor.

The 2025/26 course is now open for members to register their interest. We anticipate that there will be twelve (12) Senior places available. They will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

The fees for 2025/26 are:

Senior (18+) £340, Intermediate (16-17yo) £170 Junior (under 16 years old at the start of the course) £85.    

There are three payment options:

• One Payment - Payment in full at the time you register for the course
  

• Two Payments - Deposit paid at the time of registration + final payment before the end of July 2025

 Senior - £100 deposit + £240 final payment.    

Intermediate - £50 deposit + £120 final payment.

Junior - £25 deposit + £60 final payment.

• Six Payments - Deposit paid at the time of registration then up to five monthly payments (July - November)

 Any outstanding balance can be paid in full at any time.

The fee covers the cost of:

• One to one mentoring for a twelve month period
  
• The use of protective clothing to wear whilst undertaking colony manipulations. (excluding footwear)
• The use of all tools and equipment needed to manage the colony
• All treatments and feed needed for the bees over a 12 month period
• Borrowing four Scottish Beekeepers Association  recommended library books from the Bee Academy library
• Your Membership Fee for the Scottish Beekeepers Association  for a 12 month period from January after the start of the course (worth £40 or £10 junior).
• The Beginner Beekeeper examination fee paid to SBA on your behalf (worth £25 or £5 junior )
• Priority for purchasing association bees at the end of the course.

What is Provided?

• All Beekeeping Equipment
• The use of protective clothing with the exception of footwear
• Access to a colony of bees to manage and look after
• Access to the Bee Academy library with the opportunity to borrow books, DVDs and other materials.(course books are provided for the duration of the course)
• All inputs for the management of the bee colony
• The opportunity to participate in all NBA member activity
• One to one support from a mentor

What is a mentor?

A member who has achieved at least their Basic Beekeeper Certificate who will support your learning over the one year duration of the course.

Will I always have the same mentor?

As far as possible, yes. On occasion it might be that you will work with a different mentor, for example during holiday periods. There will always be someone to support you.

What happens if I cannot attend to the bee colony for any reason?

As long as you let your mentor know in good time your visit to the apiary can be re-arranged. If the absence is to be for a considerable time your mentor and the apiary manager will arrange for the colony to be managed during your absence. 

Need More Information? Contact:

The Course Administrator

E:  Click the Link to Send an Email

W: newbattlebees.org

Click on the books to read the syllabus

I Want to Register my interest in the Course but I am Not a Member

1. Join the Association and become a Member 

Here

Please complete the online Membership Application Form. When you are completing the form please indicate that you are interested in the Basic Beekeeping Course (July - June)