We are delighted to share that Walton Academy has been awarded level 1 and level 2 of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) School Gardening Awards. This fantastic achievement recognises the hard work, creativity and enthusiasm of our students and staff in developing our thriving kitchen garden.
To achieve the level 1 award, students and staff demonstrated an understanding of the many benefits of gardening – from supporting wellbeing to encouraging teamwork and a connection with nature. As part of this first stage, we began planning our garden space and getting students involved in early growing activities.
Building on this strong foundation, the level 2 award required us to take practical steps in cultivating our garden. Our students played an active role in planting and caring for a range of fruit, vegetables and herbs. We also promoted safe, sustainable practices and created regular opportunities for students to work together outdoors
As part of the awards, Walton Academy received a pack of gardening books and seeds to support ongoing learning, along with a £50 voucher to help further develop the garden. These resources will be used to continue growing the space and inspiring even more students to get involved.
A huge congratulations goes to the students who took part in community week last year. Their enthusiasm and teamwork in helping to establish Walton’s kitchen garden laid the groundwork for our success. We also extend our thanks to the members of our dedicated gardening club, who have continued to care for and develop the space, and to our generous supporters who kindly donated resources to help us get started. Their support has played an important role in bringing our garden to life.
We are now excited to be working towards the level 3 award, which focuses on growing a wider variety of plants, keeping them healthy, and adopting more sustainable gardening practices. Students are learning to identify and care for everything from herbs and vegetables to fruit trees and pollinator-friendly flowers. They’re exploring how to keep plants thriving by enriching the soil, choosing suitable planting spots, and using natural methods to protect young growth. As we continue to develop our garden, we aim to inspire even more students to build practical skills, connect with nature, and grow as environmentally responsible gardeners.
Well done to everyone involved. We look forward to watching the garden (and our gardeners!) continue to grow.
