Ten Leeds primary schools are digging into a new year of outdoor learning and food growing, thanks to a fully funded programme from social enterprise Grow to School CIC, supported by the Edina Trust.
The schools – which began their Growbag Family journey this September – include Christ the King Catholic Primary, Penny Field, Iveson, Meadowfield, Victoria Primary Academy, Cookridge Primary, St Bartholomew’s C of E Primary, Southroyd Primary and Nursery, Wykebeck Primary, and Allerton CE Primary School. Together, they’re part of a year-long adventure bringing hands-on growing, science and nature-based learning into everyday lessons.
Each school receives expert support, growing kits, lesson plans, staff training, and ongoing guidance to create vibrant outdoor spaces where children can learn, grow, and connect with nature.
Leeds Kids Dig in with Grow to School
At Peel Park Primary in Bradford – one of the first schools to take part – teachers have already seen how powerful the programme can be.
“The project has made a real difference for our children. They’ve grown in confidence, teamwork and resilience, and they’re using scientific vocabulary naturally – even outside of lessons. It’s been wonderful to see them make connections between what they learn in class and what they notice in the world around them.”
Year 5 teacher – Peel Park Primary, Bradford
Growing More Than Just Vegetables
The Growbag Family isn’t just about planting seeds – it’s about planting ideas and skills that last. Each school will end the year with a thriving, sustainable garden, confident staff trained in outdoor education, pupils with a stronger connection to food and nature, and a ready-to-use toolkit they can keep using for years to come.
Supporting Healthier Children – and a Healthier Planet
Grow to School is also working with Healthy Schools Leeds to make sure the programme reaches schools that can benefit most. Together, they’re helping pupils spend more time in green spaces, understand where food comes from, take small, meaningful actions on climate change, and build healthier relationships with food through growing, harvesting and tasting.
“We’re thrilled to welcome these ten Leeds schools to The Growbag Family. It’s inspiring to see children learning outdoors, connecting with nature, and growing in confidence every week. Thanks to the Edina Trust and Healthy Schools Leeds, these projects are helping schools bring learning to life – and helping children feel part of something bigger.”
Ama Chaney, Director of Operations at Grow to School CIC
Get Growing at Home
Even if your child’s school isn’t part of The Growbag Family yet, you can still get involved! Grow to School offers a brilliant range of free lesson plans, activity guides and growing ideas you can try at home or in your community. Explore Grow to School resources here.
Why Find Out More?
Food growing and outdoor learning aren’t just fun – they help children develop curiosity, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving skills. Time outside has been shown to boost wellbeing, improve concentration, and spark creativity, while learning where food comes from encourages healthier choices and a stronger respect for nature. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or simply someone who loves seeing young people thrive, discovering more about Grow to School could inspire ideas for your own home, classroom, or community space. Little changes – like growing herbs on a windowsill or starting a mini veg patch – can make a big difference.
