The Covent Garden Academy of Flowers

Tutor Rebecca was brilliant- patient, explained everything really well, took time to provide constructive feedback too. Highly recommend the 4 day intensive course if you are a total beginner like me.

Excellent place for learning floristry. The tutors are skilled practitioners, supportive and generous with their knowledge. There is a great sense of community all round with continuous support from students and tutors.

I had the most incredible four days at the intensive course that I took at the academy in chipping Campden . Being a novice I now feel totally educated in flower decoration and am ready to start creating arrangements that not only express my creativity but also bring joy to the onlooker . Rebecca was a delight to be with . As a teacher she not only was immaculately articulate and knowledgeable but was patient, charming, warm and welcoming . The amount I absorbed in those four days I don’t think I would in an online course in 14 days . I would go back happily to further my knowledge when ever an opportunity crops up to do additional courses .Hats of to Julian for creating such a fine academy .

I did a 4 week diploma course, in November 2019 , and loved it .????

Awesome store and team. They made me such a nice bouquet for a birthday after they closed, taking me down to the fridge to help pick out everything - all super fresh and much more interesting than you would get anywhere else. Thank you - highly recommended.

Spent 2 wonderful days at the Covent Garden Academy of Flowers making beautiful wedding bouquets and buttonholes. Gillian and Madeline were excellent tutors - very friendly and welcoming and patiently sharing their great knowledge and experience of working with flowers. Also enjoyed meeting my fellow students from different parts of the world. Lovely experience and one that I hope to repeat. Thank you very much.

Most beautiful arrangements and bouquets. Excellent service.. Recommended florist!

I also a flower artist from India. Love u

Had the most exciting experience ever! I attended the Classic Diploma Course to become an actual florist and had a wonderful time in a lovely environment. The teachers are great and always helpful. Definitely recommend it!

I spent last year at the Academy of Flowers taking the diploma in classic floral design. Given the course spanned 30 weeks and cost around £100 per day, I would not recommend this course as I don't feel it provided good value for money for reasons stated below. The classes were oversubscribed meaning the teachers (except one that really tried despite the lack of time to do so) had little or no time/interest for coaching individual students. After spending a year teaching us, the lead teacher couldn't even remember the students’ names when handing out certificates. When feedback was provided, the critique of the work was rarely constructive, often either insincere or rudely short and unconstructive. The staff were unreliable and promises to the students were not often kept. All the students were promised work experience at the beginning of the course. In reality this was provided (secretly) to only selected students much to our confusion. Many of the students raised the issue of vast amounts of Carcinogenic single use plastic oasis foam being used so often here and no alternatives were recommended / given / taught. We were also told we could re-arrange attendance of a class with another group if we happened to miss one. I personally had arranged to take a catch up class with another group only to be told the evening before that they had moved the class, so I had taken a day off work (and lost valuable income) for nothing. Although I was promised that they would take responsibility for the mistake, they have provided me with no alternative dates and I haven't heard anything from them since. The classes take place in the building’s basement so the light is very poor and with no designated area to photograph the work. It is therefore very hard to leave the course with a photography portfolio to be proud of. Note that they did not give out feedback forms after this particular course and so I felt it necessary to point out the issues here.

My mum and I enjoyed a day course at the academy last month and I have to say it was the most wonderful experience. We often have days out together and she mentioned she always wanted to learn more about flower arrangement. We found the whole day relaxing, informative and fun! The staff were so friendly and Knowledgeable. We will definately come back! Thank you x

Having had a few schools to choose from to undertake my diplomas, The Covent Garden Academy of Flowers was the best choice I could have made. The teachers have decades of teaching experience between them and are nurturing and cultivating and clearly love passing on their skills and knowledge with a very hands on approach. As an added bonus, the school is located very centrally and is easy to get to. I would recommend the academy to anyone wanting to learn about floristry whether it's at a basic or more advanced level.

I love this place and have been 5 or 6 times - it's always such a great experience. You switch off completely (very therapeutic after a crazy day at work), learn new skills and come away with something stunning (I'm always amazed at what I've created). I really like the friendly non-judgmental atmosphere and that it's run by professionals who share practical techniques, tips and tricks.

I had a really brilliant experience at the Flower Academy! Gill and her team helped me with wonderful ideas for Autumn themed table decorations for a big celebration we were planning. Everyone was kind, welcoming and encouraging and the workshop is a haven of peace in the bustle of London. Highly recommended.

I had a wonderful day at the Academy. Great tuition and really friendly tutors. I came home with lots of ideas, plus a fabulous hand-tied (by me!) bouquet. I can really recommend these courses as a gift to others or to yourself!

Fantastic day led by Rebecca at Chipping Campden. Beautiful selection of flowers, excellent tuition in small friendly group in lovely surroundings.

I bought my girlfriend a day course at the Covent Garden Academy of Flowers. She had a great day, came home full of ideas and inspiration for arrangements, and it was a perfect birthday gift. She was nervous about not having much experience with flowers but was made to feel very welcome and given confidence to express her creativity. Highly recommended.

I received the Academy's 3 Day Taster Course as a gift. It was an all-around great experience that I would recommend to anyone. The courses spand 3 weeks, held on a Saturday, with a different instructor leading each session. Each instructor was professional and very knowledgable. The class size was about 10 individuals, which allowed instructors to dedicate time to those who needed a little extra assistance. Each session covered 2 different techniques, with all the necessary materials provided. The technique covered was clearly defined, but there was always a bit of variety in the flowers and foliage available, which allowed for a bit of creativity in what you produced. The 3 Day class structure was perfect, as it allowed us to build on the concepts covered in the previous class. Included in the sessions was a tour of the New Covent Garden Flower Market. The tour was led by Jill - the owner of the Academy - who is well acquainted with the market and its history. She introduced us to suppliers, answered questions, and allowed everyone ample time to browse the product. I would highly recommend the Academy and look forward to participating in future classes!

I came not having any experience with flowers left with confidence and new found passion. Made to feel so welcome by all. Learnt so much. Great location. Defiantly come back.

I have spent 3 day with lovely people and had an amazing time on the 3 day Taster Course. Thankyou Gill, Fleur, Madeline & Rebbeca for making this time so enjoyable and providing me with knowledge and wonderful techniques. Lorraine Jones

I have just completed the Three Day Taster course ar The Covent Garden Academy of Flowers and can thoroughly recommend it . The team are wonderful especially Madeleine who is one of the most talented people I've ever met .Rebecca who loves gardens and flowers and Kim who's such a lovely person.Their skill and professionalism is outstanding. You are made to feel welcome the principal Gillian takes time to talk to everyone and is a great source of information. I've left with some great new skills plus a home full of flowers. You get to take home your work each day and also get to visit Covent Garden flower market.You meet likeminded people and make new friends. It's a wonderful happy environment and a great place to spend time . I can't wait to book another course.

The eventspiration team decided to do a one day course here as a thank you to our staff and had such a wonderful time! The team here are not only knowledgable but so friendly and welcoming. Would highly recommend Gill and the team!

I cannot review the Academy highly enough. I undertook the Diploma 30 week course and found it to be probably the best thing I have EVER done in my life. Upon telephoning the Academy to enquire about the course I was greeted by Gillian who was as warm and welcoming on the phone as she is in real life. The entire team at the Academy is first class. The tutors are extremely knowledgable in all fields of floral design whilst being supportive and nurturing to the students (myself included) who haven't touched flowers professionally before. Facilities are excellent at the Academy. The teaching space has all the equipment and floristry supplies you would ever need. The choice of flowers is varied and of an extremely high quality. Each week you learn something new and you quickly begin to develop a personal style which the team really encourage. Overall I would say that after my 30weeks at the academy and now with my Diploma I can confidently present myself as a professional florist. WORTH EVERY PENNY!!

Loved it.teachers lovely and very generous with the flowers we got to use.im going back again for sure,Vivienne

I absolutley loved my time at the Academy. Where it says it is your passport to the floristry world, its right! Since leaving only 2 weeks ago I have a job as a florist and have done some private events. All the teachers are absolutely lovely and I feel like we all ended up a family. I have made some friends for life, learned some life lessons and also aquired a skill that I feel will keep me happy forever! Thank you!

Had a wonderful time at the academy, the teachers are extremely knowledgeable.

Lovely tutors and excellent facilities

Guzel bir ornek