The River School Celebrates RHS Malvern Success With The Garden of Arthur
The River School in Worcester is celebrating a remarkable achievement at this year’s RHS Malvern Spring Festival (which took place over the weekend); where its show garden - The Garden of Arthur - received the award for Most Innovative Design, along with a commendation from the judges. Created entirely by pupils, the garden has captured the imagination of visitors with its blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and child‑led horticultural skill. Alex (our lead in the Senior Gardening Club), even made into one of the Shows official Facebook videos!
A Garden Born From Imagination and Teamwork
The project began months ago on the school’s eight‑acre site, where pupils from across the school community came together to design and build a garden inspired by the myths and magic of King Arthur. The garden is a celebration of imagination, teamwork, and the joy of learning outdoors, with every element planned, dug, planted, built, and problem‑solved together, by pupils themselves.
The winning design came from Sharon, a Primary pupil whose sketch - full of hidden pathways, natural textures, and Arthurian atmosphere - set the tone for the final garden. Under the leadership of Year 9 student Alex, supported by senior gardening club members, the children transformed Sharon’s vision into a fully realised show garden. Their work was guided by a dedicated team of volunteer gardeners, teachers, and the school’s site manager.
In keeping with The River School’s ethos of hands‑on learning, the pupils grew every plant themselves. All grown from seed, bulbs or cuttings and propagated at school; no shortcuts, no garden‑centre purchases, just months of patient cultivation and hard work.
A Warm Reception at RHS Malvern
The Malvern Spring Festival opened on Thursday 7th May, with judging taking place that morning. The boys were thrilled to receive the award for Most Innovative Design, a testament to their creativity and determination. They spent the day proudly presenting their garden to visitors, handing out leaflets - some of which they designed themselves - and explaining the story behind each feature. Alex even got a visit from a famous face! Former Blue Peter gardener Chris Collins…what an encouragement.
On Friday, six Primary pupils joined the team, spending the morning talking to members of the public about how the garden was built, what they had grown, and why the project mattered to them. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and many visitors commented on the confidence and knowledge the children displayed. It was even busier over the weekend, with both Primary and Secondary pupils, parents and staff manning the garden. Over the course of 4 days, we gave away over 800 leaflets!
A School Rooted in Nature, Faith, and Flourishing
The River School is a small Christian independent school for pupils aged 2-16, committed to nurturing life in all its fullness.
The River School’s distinctiveness lies not only in its beautiful grounds and outdoor learning but in its deeply personal approach to education. With small class sizes, teachers are able to give each child the time, attention, and encouragement they need to thrive. Pupils benefit from stronger relationships, greater confidence, and more opportunities to participate, all of which contribute to exceptional progress academically and personally.
The school’s Christian ethos is another defining feature. Rooted in the belief that every child is uniquely created and deeply valued, the school focuses on nurturing the whole person - character, mind, body, and spirit. This holistic approach is reflected in everything from the curriculum to the pastoral care, and from the school’s community life to its outdoor learning programme.
Hands‑on, experiential learning is central to the school’s identity. Gardening begins in Primary, where children learn botanical names, grow vegetables, and take home what they harvest. Forest School, which every Primary child attends weekly, builds resilience, teamwork, and a love of the natural world. Older pupils can join gardening club or pet club, caring for the school’s rabbits and guinea pigs, while others help maintain the school’s bee colonies - a unique opportunity that teaches responsibility, ecology, and stewardship.
Together, these elements create an environment where children are known, loved, and supported to grow into confident, compassionate young people who understand their place in God’s creation.
An Invitation to Visit: National Garden Scheme Open Day
Following the success at The Malvern Spring Show, The River School is opening its gardens to the public as part of the National Garden Scheme on Saturday 20th June, 10:30am–3:30pm. Visitors can explore the orchard, vegetable beds, Forest School, and the many outdoor spaces that make the school so distinctive. Entry is £5 (children go free), with all proceeds going to NGS charities. Tea, coffee, and cake will be available to purchase.
Our gardens are full of the joy that comes from learning outdoors, shaped not only by nature but by the enthusiasm and hard work of our pupils. Why not come and visit and explore our beautiful grounds, you will be warmly welcomed, and our Garden of Arthur will be back on proud display as well!
Discover Life in All Its Fullness
Families interested in learning more about The River School’s holistic, faith‑centred education are warmly invited to book a private tour by emailing info@riverschool.co.uk or visiting www.riverschool.co.uk.
