Applications are now closed for places on our RHS courses. Last year’s information is available below for reference only – times and prices may change. A practical certificate is also available. Details about next year’s RHS classes will be available after April 2025.
RHS Level 2
Level 2 qualifications are suitable for those wanting to work in professional horticulture or for those who would like to increase their general horticulture skills.
This year, Winterbourne Centre for Horticulture is offering the following certificate on Thursdays:
RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development
This theory certificate equips learners with knowledge of the scientific principles underpinning horticultural practice and provides an understanding of what is needed to progress to employment within the sector. Learners will develop a level of plant knowledge deemed essential by horticultural industries.
This certificate will be offered on Thursdays from 19th September 2024, with lessons running from 10am to 3.15pm. The cost of a place on the qualification – including tuition and examination costs for the first year – is £1250.
Further information is available on our information sheet.
FAQs
Please read the further information before applying. If you have any further questions, please first read our answers to Frequently Asked Questions. You can also find our terms of enrolment available for your reference.
If this does not help with your query, please email the Learning Officer on [email protected]. More information about the updated RHS qualifications in general can be found on their website.

Practical students working in the teaching garden photographed by Maggie Bucknall
Our Tutors
Darren Rudge BSc Hort, Cert Ed
Darren has spent 35 years delivering and managing horticultural and other land-based programmes as well as running a successful garden design consultancy. He was one of the first people in the country to be awarded The City and Guilds medal of excellence for his teaching and training methods. He is a Royal Horticultural Society Professional Associate and the permanent gardening expert for BBC local radio being nominated for the garden media guild awards.
His garden designs have received national magazine exposure, and his enthusiastic approaches to teaching and garden design that are inspirational, and motivating are developed to make learning both enjoyable and progressive.
Helen Wood BSc Hort, PGCE
Helen has 21 years’ experience of designing and developing gardens alongside a teaching career in horticulture and garden design; she holds a BSc in Amenity Horticulture and Garden Design and a PGCE in Post Compulsory Education.
Teaching has helped Helen to share her passion for plants, people and places in Colleges, Botanic Gardens, Prisons, Schools and Therapeutic settings. She is also a national examiner and professional associate working with Royal Horticultural Society Qualifications examinations in Garden Planning.
Helen and Darren work together to design and deliver innovative and inspirational teaching programmes, including Royal Horticultural Society Certificates up to and including degree level study. Their Social Enterprise business, Rudge Wood Horticulture CIC, aims to help individuals and communities grow through safe and accessible outdoor spaces and learning environments and opportunities in horticulture.
Winterbourne Centre for Horticulture is an RHS Qualifications Approved Centre.


RHS Approved Centre


The teaching garden in June, photographed by Maggie Bucknall