This course consists of approximately 29 weeks of tuition, a weekly timetable will be provided.
It follows an academic timetable, comprising three separate terms with half term breaks within each:
Autumn Term: September to December (Half Term in October)
Spring Term: January to March (Half Term in February)
Summer Term: April to June (Half Term in May)
WHEN
Wednesday daytime 9.30am – 1.30pm (starts 24th September 2025)
COST
Tuition Fee £895, includes exam fees, (£20 extra if taken on-line).
Resit exams are £75 on paper or £85 remote invigilated.
Coolings is an approved centre for the delivery of RHS qualifications.
The RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth & Development is recognised within the industry and students who achieve it will be well placed to progress onto further courses or into employment.
The course is also ideal for the dedicated amateur gardener who wishes to extend their knowledge and perhaps achieve a nationally recognised qualification.
The Level 2 qualification is divided into 2 distinct units, each containing 4 topics made up of elements.
Unit 1- Plant science 1, Plant health, Plant nutrition, Plant specification.
Unit 2- Plant science 2, Plant styles, Horticulture & society, Biodiversity.
RHS Level 2 qualifications are for those wanting a route into the horticultural profession, to support career development for those already working in horticulture or to provide a foundation for further learning or training.
Key points
- Covers a wide range of horticultural topics and up-to-date working practices
- Appropriate for career change or to gain a better knowledge
- Suitable for part-time study
- Each unit is assessed by examination; examinations take place in February and June
- No entry requirements
- On completion of the theory and practical unit, it leads to the RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles and Practices in Horticulture.
The weekly session will include plant identifications as well as classroom-based theory. Comprehensive notes will be provided. Students will be encouraged to take part in occasional practical demonstrations, and benefit from designated facilities on our commercial nursery and working in our display gardens.
Each class includes:
- Plant identification
- Theory, with full well-written handouts provided
- Tea break with tea/coffee provided
Examinations:
Achievement on this course is through nationally set written examinations; the level of knowledge expected is equivalent to a good level of pass in a GCSE science subject. We do recommend that you take the exams, but we do have students who decide to enjoy this purely as a leisure course.
Examination costs are included in course fees. Exams can be taken on-line or in our bespoke classroom. There is a charge for exam resits.
Course Tutor: Caroline Halfpenny
Caroline has been teaching and lecturing in Horticulture, on a variety of courses from level 2 up to degree level for nearly 23 years, focusing on the RHS courses for the last 10 years.
To apply for this course please complete the Booking Enquiry form by clicking the ‘Booking Enquiry’ button on the top right hand-side of this page.
Should you have any further queries relating to this course, please complete the Booking Enquiry form or telephone Lesley Webster at Coolings on 01959 532269 or email lesleywebster@coolings.co.uk.
If you are interested in any of our courses that are currently full please contact us to join the waiting list. If there is sufficient interest then we will always consider running another course.
Please note, courses will only be cancelled if not viable to run.
All courses are held in the education centre at Coolings The Gardener’s Garden Centre, Rushmore Hill, Knockholt, Kent, TN14 7NN
We are the only RHS approved garden centre for teaching their qualifications in the South East. We provide a fantastic learning atmosphere in our purpose-built education centre, just a stone’s throw from our production nursery, display gardens and garden centre that holds the biggest selection of plants in the South East.
Other benefits include:
- 15% discount for students at all Coolings Garden Centres for the duration of your course (exclusions apply).
- Celebratory evening for students and tutors upon completion of your course where drinks and canapes or a light buffet will be provided (excluding Planting Design for Beginners course).
- Free on-site parking.
- Tea and coffee provided.
