Studley Scholarship

The Elizabeth Hess Scholarship is awarded annually by the Studley College Trust in memory of Miss Hess who was the last Principal of the college (1956-1969) and who died in 1996.

The scholarship has enabled students to train at Tresco Abbey Garden since 1972, many of whom have gone on to enjoy impressive careers in horticulture. The award is made each year to three promising horticulturists who have secured a basic qualification in vocational horticulture and plan a career in botanic gardens, private gardens and parks. In co-operation with Tresco Abbey Garden, the award provides all the funds and facilities for one year's training on Tresco. Applicants are selected by interview from a short list in March. The scholarship runs from September each year, although there is some flexibilty with the start and end dates. 

The objective of the scholarship is to provide the students with the opportunity to work as a member of a well-integrated team in a long established and world-renowned garden. They will develop a wide range and level of skills in maintaining diverse and unique collections of plants, many from the Southern Hemisphere.

Scholarship Details

Three scholarships are available each year.

Students will be under the direct supervision of the Garden Curator and Head Gardener and will be regarded as a member of staff. They work a 40-hour, 5-day week with a standard holiday allowance. Extra paid overtime is available. 

Students will be allocated their own bed sitting room with access to fully equipped communal facilities. All linen and laundry facilities are provided. The student will have to buy and prepare his or her own food. Groceries are available from the local shop or from St Mary's.

A well-stocked library of horticultural books is available and the student can expect to attend shows, participate in garden exchanges, and visit other gardens and collections during the year.
The annual closing date for applications is 1 March in the year that the scholarship is being offered. Selection is by interview in March / April in London and successful applicants are notified by the end of April.
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Application forms are obtainable from the Garden Curator, Mike Nelhams at: The Abbey Garden,Tresco, Isles of Scilly TR24 0QQ

For an informal chat please call 01720 424105 or email -mikenelhams@tresco.co.uk