TUTORS and students from a Devon-based floral art school achieved national recognition at this year’s British Florist Association Annual Conference.

The British Academy of Floral Art, based in Dunchideock, shone across multiple categories at FleurEx 2025, demonstrating exceptional talent, technical skill and creativity.

Victoria Veasey and Jayne Buet were both awarded Level 4 Higher Diploma in Floristry, with Victoria achieving the highest practical exam mark in the country — a remarkable testament to her artistry and precision.

At the highest level of floristry education, Jodie Gilpin and Elinor Delargy were awarded their Level 5 Master Diploma in Professional Floristry, earning the prestigious title of British Master Florist.

The Academy’s Director, Tina Parkes, took first place in the competition to create a floral arrangement incorporating a frame.

Tina’s winning design, which combined technical mastery with expressive design, was made possible through the generous flower sponsorship of Flowervision Bristol.

Elsewhere, Victoria, now studying for her Level 5, and Tina Pound, a Level 5 graduate and Master Florist, took part in the ‘Florist of the Year’ competition, both achieving and producing imaginative designs under the pressure of timed rounds.

In addition to competing, Tina Parkes was invited to deliver a short presentation at the national Floristry Tutors’ Meeting, where she shared her expertise on Formal Linear Design with educators from across the country.

‘We couldn’t be prouder of our students and graduates’, said Tina.

‘Their success at Fleurex reflects not only their hard work and creativity but also the strong sense of community we foster at the Academy.

‘From new florists taking their first steps to experienced professionals achieving Master status, it’s wonderful to see how our students support and inspire one another’, Tina added.