The winners of the National Student of the Year Awards 2025 have been selected and notified and the BALI Chalk Fund charity is pleased to announce and congratulate:
- Chloë Webster from KLC West Dean for the Garden Design Student of the Year Award 2025
- Archie Matthews from Myerscough College for the Landscape & Horticulture Student of the Year Award 2025.
Chloë and Archie faced the toughest competition this year, with entrant numbers increasing and the quality of entries being of a very high standard. The Trustees reviewed all the candidate entries and tutor submissions at a session in September.
Selected by the Trustees as stand-out winners, each candidate’s entry was supported by their accounts including:
- Describing the personal impact of their learning
- Detailing their greatest achievements
- Outlining their career goals and how they hoped to achieve them
- Sharing advice for future students who want to succeed as they have
Chloë painted a convincing picture of how she has applied her theoretical skills and translated these into tangible design success, winning awards for proposals at RHS Chelsea as well as getting hands-on with planting and design at RHS Hampton Court. She hopes to run her own studio at the earliest opportunity and enjoys writing about her experiences, as well as sharing how important embracing the landscape and outdoor space is for mental health and well-being.
Archie’s submission was bursting with enthusiasm, confidence and a determination to succeed through hard graft. He highlighted his transition from apprentice to semi-skilled landscaper and has already achieved greatness at World Skills, gaining a Silver and now striving again for a Gold. He wants to become a “recognised industry leader, known for his creativity, professionalism and dedication to excellence” and wants to amplify and promote the benefits and positivity of working in the Landscape industry to young people. He is a strong advocate of mentoring others, sharing success stories and practical insight to others.
Both winners will be officially presented with their awards at this year’s BALI National Landscape Awards, alongside their tutors.
As well as the accolade and kudos of winning such a prestigious award as they begin their careers, they also win £100 and a ROLO training course from Orchard Learning. Their college receives £500 also.
If you are interested in applying for next year’s Student of the Year Awards, please watch out for more announcements in the New Year and speak to your College Tutors, contact info@balichalkfund.org.uk and view the latest news and announcements at www.balichalkfund.org.uk
