Singlegate primary school has scooped first place at the London in Bloom competition for their ‘gold standard’ school grounds which was celebrated at an awards ceremony held on Wednesday 15 July at the school.

Green fingered children, along with their teachers and parents, were involved in this community-wide project which has led to success on their first ever entry in the competition.

London in Bloom organises the competition which aims to encourage involvement in and increase pupils’ knowledge of environmental issues. To win, a school must demonstrate more than just a beautiful flower display. Conservation efforts are key, as is the promotion of sustainability within the environment – two categories that Singlegate Primary excelled in.

Following the opening of a bio-station at the school in April, the Merton primary school has already achieved a Green School Award. Sustainability and environmental issues are an important part of the children’s education and they even grow their own vegetables for lunch and snack time. Projects such as these tie in closely with Merton’s aims for both sustainability and healthy living.

Deputy Head Chris Haycock said “We are really proud of the children and staff here at Singlegate who worked closely with the community on this project. To do so well on our first time in the competition shows how much effort we put in and the children really enjoyed themselves too.”

Cabinet member for children’s services Councillor Debbie Shears said: “Competitions such as these enable children to learn the importance of environmental issues in a fun and exciting way. Merton schools did impressively well in this year’s competition with Liberty, Poplar and Wimbledon Park primary schools also getting awards, and I look forward to seeing even more schools entering next year.”

The school also received praise from Geoff Hyde, Chairman of London in Bloom and one of the judges, on the high standard of their entry and the involvement of the entire school community.