From Worle to WorldSkills Gold: Archie Celebrates Top Success
By Education Correspondent
A former Worle School student from Weston-super-Mare has been crowned the UK’s top young landscaper at the WorldSkills UK National Finals.
Archie Matthews, who joined Worle School at 11, went on to become Head Boy and an active member of the Jill Dando News Centre — at Jill Dando’s former school.
Now a Myerscough College landscaping apprentice, Archie won gold in Landscaping at the finals held at Bridgend College, South Wales, competing against the best apprentices from across the country.
Finalists had just 16.5 hours over three days to design and construct a fully landscaped garden, including paving, decking, planting and structural features. Archie’s skill, creativity and calm under pressure impressed judges.
More than 400 finalists competed across 40+ skill areas, highlighting the next generation of UK talent.
Worle headteacher Mark Tidman, said:
“We are incredibly proud of Archie. To see a former Head Boy from Worle achieve national success is fantastic. He always showed leadership, commitment and real pride in his work — this achievement is thoroughly deserved.”
Archie said:
‘’Keep trying, learning, developing and your dreams will come true. This is only the start of my journey.”
Archie first caught the attention of gardening legend Alan Titchmarsh CBE during his school years.
Inspired by his environmental work in Weston super Mare, Alan sent him a handwritten letter of encouragement, praising his dedication to local parks and community gardens.
Archie previously won silver at last year’s WorldSkills UK, and during lockdown ran a gardening business maintaining over 100 private gardens.
While at Worle, he also led eco initiatives as Eco President, including securing plants for the school, chairing the Climate Justice Revolution, and hosting a live podcast with Professor Richard Herrington.
