Students from Trent View College, a leading post-16 special school in Scunthorpe, have seen their ‘Living Larder’ garden design earn a coveted spot in the highly competitive ‘Long Border’ category at the prestigious RHS show at Wentworth Woodhouse this July. This recognition bolsters Trent View’s impressive gardening credentials, as their horticulture programme has already earned students the highest category of RHS School Award, Level 5 certification.
The college educates young people aged 16-19 with Special Educational Needs. The vision for the provision is ambitious and highly individualised, with staff focused on supporting students to develop meaningful life skills to prepare them for bright futures. Since opening their doors in 2023, they have seen 53 students access higher education in their state-of-the-art facilities.
With a broad and vocational curriculum, pupils are able to access horticulture as part of their learning pathway. Students grow flowers and vegetables from seed which are then utilised by the College’s Catering team (also a group of students) who provide lunch for everyone, as well as running the cafe ‘Trent Brew’. The fresh produce is also utilised in partner primary school Littlecoates’ community ‘Larder’.
The ‘Living Larder’ design, developed by the students alongside the guidance of the college’s horticulture tutor, draws inspiration from the potager garden style, where ornamental and edible plants are integrated to create beautiful and functional growing spaces. The project is rooted in the ongoing collaboration with staff and pupils at Littlecoates Primary Academy, another Wellspring school. The college students have acted as Teaching Assistants in ‘The Launchpad’, the primary’s SEND provision, and were instrumental in supporting Littlecoates’ entry into the Grimsby in Bloom awards.
Principal Sarah Parker said, ‘We are incredibly proud of this achievement which is a testament to the hard work and vision of our students and staff team. At Trent View we strive to showcase our young people’s talents and abilities to themselves, their families and the local community. The opportunity to display at RHS Wentworth Woodhouse takes this to a national scale. Our Long Border will demonstrate that regardless of need and ability, with the right support and scaffolding, anything is possible’
The college has been selected to display one of eighteen long borders alongside other Garden Designers, which is testament to the talent and tenacity of the young people. Judging for the show commences on the 16th offering Trent View the opportunity for further accolades.
‘The Living Larder’ border will be on display for the entire duration of the show, from the 16th – 20th of July.
