RHS School Gardening Team of the Year 2023 (Primary)

Overall winner

Sir Alexander Fleming Primary School
Telford, Shropshire
RHS School Gardening Team of the Year 2023 (Primary) Winner

About Sir Alexander Fleming Primary School

The whole-school gardening approach at Sir Alexander Fleming Primary School wowed the judges. With hard work, commitment and endless enthusiasm teacher John Ratcliffe, colleagues and the children have transformed their outdoor space into a diverse, beautiful garden with a no-dig wildlife meadow, future forest, bog garden, raised beds and wild corners.    

“Watching our gardening endeavours grow, seeing them move from a small Nurture group provision to an inclusive whole-school initiative, has been such a heart-warming journey,” explained John. “To see the importance to our children’s wellbeing, to see their practical skills develop through direct experience, to see their attitudes to challenge change through their enthusiastic participation, growing self-confidence and resilience, brings a happy tear to my eye.”

Judges' comments

"The children have an excellent understanding of the environment and what they are doing in the garden – a great sense of purpose. John is very engaged, and the children are too. The scale of involvement is impressive as is the sheer enthusiasm.”  

Our visit to Sir Alexander Fleming

Read all about our visit to this inspiring school.

Sir Alexander Fleming Primary School's entry video