Primary school wins first LEAF competition

LEAF Education ran the first experiential food and farming related national primary school competition, ‘All for Farm and Food for All’.

St Martins C of E Primary School was announced the winner, and over 100 pupils, teachers and parents enjoyed a day out on farm to celebrate.

Why farming matters

The first of its kind in the UK, the competition offered primary school teachers in England access to curriculum-linked resources and support.

The aim was to help deliver high-quality learning activities and experiences to open young minds – and highlight why farming and the agri-food sector matters. 

There were competition entries from 150 primary schools, involving more than 4,000 pupils in Years 5 and 6 during the 2023–2024 academic year.

As part of the competition, eight school finalists also won a farm visit in the spring term to experience first-hand the role that farming and food production plays in an environmentally positive future. 

Harnessing curiosity to learn

Carl Edwards, LEAF’s director, education and public engagement, spoke about the aims of the competition:

“Equipping our future generations with a balanced and informed insight into where their food comes from, how it is produced, and the impact this has on the natural environment around them, will help deliver a world that is growing, eating and living sustainably.

“A huge part of our work involves nurturing and harnessing young people’s curiosity to learn, and once again, feedback from the children told us that everyone has a role and responsibility in a climate positive future – it isn’t just down to farmers and food producers.”

Mr Edwards commended each finalist for their efforts, enthusiasm, appreciation of, and desire to better understand agriculture.

“Their reflections demonstrate just how valuable pupil voices and insights can be to improve the connection between agriculture and education, and the value of opportunities such as these.”

Remarkable impact

The judging process was “incredibly difficult”, but Mr Edwards said the pupils at St Martins made a “remarkable impact” on both the judges and the host farmer.

“Their enthusiasm, desire to learn, debate and consider differing opinions, while showing an appreciation for a food and farming system on a local, national, and international level, ultimately reflected the longer-term aspirations of the school and its pupils to have a role in a sustainable future.” 

For more information on the competition, visit the LEAF website

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