The Royal High School is the latest school to join the largest orchard, by distance, in the UK.

The Boarding Orchard was launched by the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) in 2014 and involves boarding schools joining the orchard by planting fruit trees in their grounds. The trees symbolise the ‘tree of knowledge’ and demonstrate each school’s commitment to growth and caring for the environment.

Robin Fletcher, the National Director of the BSA took time out during a recent visit to the school to perform the ceremony – planting an apple tree on the lawn in front of Gloucester House. He was joined by Head Jo Duncan and staff and students from the school’s boarding community.

Since its launch, schools across the UK - including Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - have joined The Boarding Orchard, and trees have also been planted at boarding schools in Switzerland and the USA.

Jo Duncan said: “We are delighted to be involved in this nationwide scheme and to welcome Mr Fletcher to our school. We look forward to watching the tree grow and blossom for generations of boarders to enjoy.”