WRITHLINGTON Secondary School’s long-running Orchid Project has won a prestigious Gold Medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

The school achieved the top honour as part of Orchid Conservation Chelsea, a global collaboration of more than 25 institutions from the UK, China and the US, making it the largest international collaboration at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026.

The core display, titled The Orchids of China, celebrates China’s native orchids while highlighting their immense ecological importance. The exhibit shines a light on global orchid conservation at a critical time, as habitat loss, climate change, and illegal plant collection continue to threaten wild populations worldwide.

In addition to the display, two former Writhlington pupils and Orchid Club members, Jess Buckle and Chloe McGiveron, represented the school at the show's ‘Genius Bar’, an expert-led, public-facing feature focusing heavily on education and conservation.

Head of biology and orchid project coordinator, Felicity Brotherton, said: “The opportunity to collaborate with orchid conservationists, scientists, and growers from the UK, China, and the USA on a project such as this is a wonderful learning opportunity for our students.

“We are thrilled to receive a Gold Medal. It is a fantastic reward for the young people who pour so much passion into the Orchid Project in our greenhouses and lab throughout the year.”

More than 60 scientists, botanists and conservation specialists contributed to the displays sharing expertise on orchid conservation, biodiversity and pollinator protection with visitors throughout Show week.

The Orchid Project has provided unique opportunities for Writhlington students for more than 25 years, with many alumni going on to secure careers in related scientific fields.

Members of the public can visit the school's greenhouses twice a year to explore the extensive orchid collection and purchase plants to grow at home.