The Royal Horticultural Society’s School Gardening Award celebrates schools that are beginning their gardening journey by understanding the benefits of growing, making gardening accessible to all pupils, and embedding it within school life. Achieving Level 1 is an exciting milestone, and we are proud of the enthusiasm and dedication shown by our pupils in working towards this recognition.

At St Gabriel’s, we place great importance on outdoor learning and recognise the many benefits it brings to pupils’ wellbeing. Time spent outdoors supports both physical and emotional development, encouraging curiosity, resilience and a deeper connection with the natural world. Through hands-on experiences, pupils are able to learn in a different way — developing confidence, teamwork and a sense of responsibility, while also benefiting from the positive impact that being outdoors can have on mental health.

As part of the award, the school has received a Your Wellbeing Garden book, a selection of seeds, a certificate and a digital award logo. Beyond these rewards, the programme supports pupils in developing an understanding of the natural world, sustainability and environmental responsibility, while also enhancing their physical and emotional wellbeing.

This achievement reflects the fantastic work taking place in our developing School Garden, under the guidance of our Director of Outdoor Education, Catherine Cockar. Pupils from across the school have played an active role in transforming the space, demonstrating teamwork, resilience and creativity throughout the process.

From clearing the area behind the Sixth Form Farmhouse, to constructing raised beds, gathering wood, filling them with soil, planting fruit trees and sowing seeds, our pupils have embraced every stage of the project with energy and enthusiasm. The garden is already becoming a wonderful shared space for learning, collaboration and reflection.

We are excited to watch the garden continue to grow and flourish over the coming months, and we look forward to building on this success as we work towards Level 2 of the RHS School Gardening Award.

Well done to all involved in this fantastic achievement.