About Us

NDSF, FBFA, CERT ED, Dutch Master, AIFD (US Master), LCGI, City & Guilds MDPF (Level 5 – British Master), Institute of Professional Florists (IoPF) Academic Fellow and RHS Chelsea Gold medallist

On starting out: “I started in floristry at 16 on a YTS scheme and just loved it from the start! I worked in a flower shop in Exmouth, studied for my floristry exams and ended up managing the shop, before moving to Bicton College as Head of Floristry.”

Proudest floristry moment: “I’m currently the only English florist to hold a Dutch Masters, and have since been awarded the American Masters (AIFD), British Masters (Level 5) and – in 2017 I achieved the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold medal.”

Academy Highlight: “Teaching floristry is a real passion for me, and I really believe in the importance of teaching technique and design well. I’m on the BFA’s Education and Training Board and demonstrate to florists all over the world, but nothing is more satisfying than seeing our Academy students progress over the course of their time with us”.

1. Sarah Hills Ingyon

2. A National Diploma Florist [NDSF] with a passion for crafts. Owner of ‘Sarah’s Designs’ based in East Devon where inspiration from nature and the environment is natural. Sarah has owned several high street floristry businesses over the years, and currently runs the family businesses with her husband based near Sidmouth in Devon. Over the years Sarah has been a dedicated competitor, demonstrator, and tutor, winning numerous accolades, including prized medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, enabling her to understand and empathise with competitors. Her career has flourished and evolved with an innovative and contemporary approach, always open to innovative concepts amid skilled traditional techniques and perfection of workmanship. Floristry competitions are vital for the floristry industry to maintain quality expertise and push the boundaries of floral design forward. “It’s an exciting honour to be a floristry judge and to uphold the standards of excellence in the competition room. ”As a judge Sarah recognises the importance of continued development to uphold and advance the recognised standards of UK Floristry Judging.

Sarah is continually excited by new challenges, especially embracing the many diverse aspects of the floristry industry with the desire to ‘continue learning’ as her passion.RHS Mixed Panel JudgeUKFJG Schedule committeeUKFJG World Cup Schedule committeeUK Floristry Judges Guild–Immediate Past ChairExtensive National Judging experience. Including RHS ‘Florist of the Year,’ Interflora ‘Florist of the Year’ and BFA ‘Florist of the Year’Academic Fellow of the Institute of Professional FloristryMember of the IoPF training and education committeeDTLLS Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning SectorRHS Cut Flower Advisory Group member Aim: to help, encourage and inspire competitors and for the UKFJG to provide professional floristry judging.

I am thrilled to be joining Tina Parkes, at The British Academy of Floral Art. Having had a close professional relationship with the school over the years, I am excited to be involved with the teaching and internal verification work, and becoming part of the illustrious team.

Sophie Astridge ICSF/HDF

Sophie joined the Academy team this Jan 2026 and brings with over 18 years of floristry experience. She currently works at Trugs, in Exeter and has been with them for over 18years. She was a previous student of Tina’s when she attained her level 4 HDF at Bicton College, East Devon. She is teaching on the Fundamental and Career changer 6-week premium course, bringing with her all her skills and current valuable retail experience. She is a highly creative individual and amongst her accolades is the honour of exhibiting at the Chelsea Flower Show. During her spare time Sophie loves baking and, together with her husband, is currently renovating their house in Exeter

BSc MSc PhD (education), BAFA Floristry level 2 & 3, C&G Level 4 Floristry, MDPF City and Guilds Level 5 Florist

Starting out ….

I was a late bloomer so to speak. After many years working in higher education I took a career break and discovered the world of floristry. I attended my local agricultural college in Derbyshire for recreational classes and was soon smitten

After moving to Devon I pursued my formal training with the Academy and I’m now studying for my Masters qualification. I have my own studio business and enjoy the freedom of freelance work.

Proudest Floristry Moment ….

Floristry is hard work but totally rewarding. There is nothing more satisfying than being creative and making people smile. My proudest moment is being nominated as BFA IoPF student of the year and reaching the final nomination list. Being a medalist at Fleurex two years in a row was pretty cool too. I have had some exciting opportunities and met some fascinating people along the way from pop stars to movie makers – yes this is a creative industry and I’ve been fortunate enough to meet a lot of interesting folk and work in some historic sites and buildings.

Academy Highlight….

The world is a funny place, I started out in teaching and have taken a journey which has led be right back there! But I’m pleased about that because the Academy is such an exceptional place to learn. I teach the workshops and beginners floristry and I’m just as proud as punch to be at the start of other people’s floristry journey. As a teacher I feel totally supported by my colleagues and Tina and the team guide and inspire in equal measure. It’s great to be part of the team.

Irene is a linchpin of our team and is often found behind the scenes handling our office enquiries and bookings and doing all things admin.

Born and raised in the West Country, a farmer’s daughter and mum of two, she likes to spend time with family and friends walking in the countryside.

She has a long career in the hospitality and tourism industry and has experience in all aspects of the trade.

Her passionate love of cooking for others and for searching out new venues to dine at, has always been something that has interested her and she is always willing to sample cake!!

Favourite flower - Lily-of-the-valley because of it’s cute bell shaped, sweet smelling flowers and how it reminds her of visiting her Grandmother’s garden as a small child.

Our beautiful studio is based just outside Exeter in an idyllic rural location. The studio has be purposely designed to include two light and airy classrooms each with their own bathroom and kitchen plus storage cupboard, we also have an office with extensive floristry library and gardens with pond and seating for the summer. The tables have been created with local wood by two local craftsmen and are at standing height to reduce uncomfortable back straining, we also have a table that can be adjusted to fit hight required. The students have access to free parking during the classes and use of the garden for lunch breaks.

The studio uses Bio mass heating and we have composting facilities for our green waste. The water comes from the farms natural springs.