Horticultural Correspondence College Reviews 14

TrustScore 4 out of 5

4.0

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  1. Distance Learning Centre

Written by the company

Gardening courses from the Horticultural Correspondence College. The Horticultural Correspondence College was established in the 1930’s. The Horticultural Correspondence College’s flexible home-study courses give you the freedom to learn about ...


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4.0

Great

TrustScore 4 out of 5

14 reviews

5-star
4-star
3-star
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1-star

Replied to 100% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 1 week

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I completed the HCC certification for the "Complete Gardener"

I completed the HCC certification for the "Complete Gardener" course and it provided me with invaluable information and knowledge in truly all aspects of horticulture (and beyond). Besides that, I especially valued that I was able to study at my own pace and receive an 'offline' print out to limit my screen time.
A special shout out to Teresa, their admin, who provided absolute top level assistance with any question I had regarding the course - she is such a star!

9 January 2026
Unprompted review
Horticultural Correspondence College logo

Reply from Horticultural Correspondence College

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review and for your kind words. Your feedback means alot to us and we're so glad we were able to assist you through your studies. Best wishes from us all at HCC

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I agree with the other one star review!

I agree with the other one star review! Once I've received the materials for my course, I realised how much of a scam and a waste of my time this is. I emailed them specifically saying I would like to cancel my course but they wouldn't listen to me and kept trying to charge me afterwards for a month straight! Please don't sign up to these money hungry scammers!

30 November 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Horticultural Correspondence College

Thank you for your review.
Firstly, we reject the suggestion that our organisation is a “scam”. We operate transparently, communicate our policies clearly, and support a large number of learners successfully through our courses and have done since the 1930s.

All learners are provided with a 14-day cooling-off period, during which they may cancel without notice. After this period, cancellations remain possible, subject to a two-month notice period, as clearly outlined in our terms and conditions and agreed to at enrolment.

Any payments processed are in line with the enrolment agreement and the notice period in place at the time of any cancellation. We encourage learners to contact us directly regarding their account, and we are always happy to clarify our processes. We value feedback and take all concerns seriously.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Dated boring course

Really unhappy with this company. The course material is dated. Wrote in Victorian times. Really boring, really confusing and not easy to get on the course modules or even log in! I struggled my way through my first unit to have the worst feedback I've ever had. The tutor was obviously having a bad day. Quick to call me out on mistakes but absolutely no encouragement on what I got right, just ok. Then telling me at 43 I need to do better 😡. I'm disgusted at the lack of compassion I've never done this course before. I'm now trying to get my money back or at least cancel the remainder of my course. I'm now with learn direct on the same course which is fantastic. Steer clear of these their just after peoples money 😡😡😡

5 December 2025
Unprompted review
Horticultural Correspondence College logo

Reply from Horticultural Correspondence College

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are very sorry to hear that you are unhappy with your course experience.
We recognise the significant effort that goes into student submissions. As a college, we must ensure that set learning outcomes are met, and all tutor feedback is provided with the intention of supporting students to progress successfully and achieve the best possible outcomes.
We take all student feedback very seriously and will fully review the points you have raised. Our Student Liaison Officer has attempted to contact you to address your concerns. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss these with you further. HCC

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Garden Designer

Really enjoyed doing a distance learning qualification with horticultural correspondence college. It's a lot of work and commitment but I found it a positive way to fill spare time and improve on skills!

19 September 2025
Unprompted review
Horticultural Correspondence College logo

Reply from Horticultural Correspondence College

Hi Sam, Thank you for your kind words. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your studies with us and we wish you all the best, from us all at HCC.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

For those wanting to study for a recognised qualification at their own pace.

I would highly recommend this course to anyone seeking a recognised qualification in horticulture whilst having the freedom to study at your own time.
The course packs alot of information that is split into eight sessions that can be studied at your own pace.
Initially I was in two minds to enrol on a self- study course as I associate it with online studying (I tend to lose focus when I am constantly staring at a screen), so having sessions delivered via post was really refreshing.
I found the tutor feedback very helpful when completing my assessments and preparing me for the exams. (I would recommend taking notes of key info as you go through the sessions to help with revision).
Though I have completed the course, I still refer back to the sessions to help refresh my knowledge.
Overall I fully enjoyed my time studying the course, it gave me the confidence in kickstarting my career in horticulture.

2 September 2025
Unprompted review
Horticultural Correspondence College logo

Reply from Horticultural Correspondence College

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review Darren. We are pleased to hear that you are still finding the course materials helpful and we would love to hear more about how your career is going. Best wishes from us all at HCC.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Level 3 Arb Diploma HCC

I just wanted to share a bit about my experience studying the Level 3 (Arb) Diploma at HCC.

From the very start, the support has been excellent. Teresa in particular has been incredibly helpful — always approachable, quick to respond, and genuinely invested in making sure students feel confident as they progress. The promptness in communication makes such a big difference; whenever I’ve had a question or needed some guidance, I’ve had answers straight away.

The course itself is laid out clearly, and with the level of support available it really does feel manageable, even alongside work and other commitments.

I’d definitely recommend HCC for anyone considering the diploma route. The structure, resources, and above all the supportive team help turn what could feel like a challenge into something achievable and motivating.

19 September 2025
Unprompted review
Horticultural Correspondence College logo

Reply from Horticultural Correspondence College

Thank you Ryan, for taking the time to leave a review. We are so pleased to hear that you have found the team supportive and that you have the course easy to follow. We wish you all the best, from us all at BSY

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Supportive & learning a lot

The HCC are an excellent, old fashioned correspondence college. I love that my course is on paper and not online. My coursework is being properly marked by a tutor (Kelvin) who is giving good, honest, constructive feedback that I can work from, and that if I call the phone is answered by someone who knows what they are doing and is helpful. Lessons are sent one at a time, each with a progress test; once the test is received at the college, the next lesson is sent so that you're not overwhelmed by receiving it all in one go. You have 2 years to complete the course and RHS exams, so plenty of time to learn and revise. I'm thoroughly enjoying it and learning a lot too as it's at my pace

2 September 2025
Unprompted review
Horticultural Correspondence College logo

Reply from Horticultural Correspondence College

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review. We’re delighted to hear you’re enjoying the course. We wish you all the best, from us all at HCC

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Highly recommend

Highly recommend. I completed the garden course. The course is easy to follow and understand, the tutor is highly skilled and knowledge.
It’s the second course I have completed, and will definitely be undertaking another one very soon.

26 August 2025
Unprompted review
Horticultural Correspondence College logo

Reply from Horticultural Correspondence College

Thank you for kind words Gwyn. We are really pleased to hear that you enjoyed your studies and look forward to welcoming you onto your next course.
Best wishes from us all at HCC.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

THE COURSE AND PEOPLE ARE NOTHING SHORT…

THE COURSE AND PEOPLE ARE NOTHING SHORT OF BRILLIANT.
FOR THE MONEY AND PAYMENT OPTIONS YOU CANT GO WRONG.

14 July 2025
Unprompted review
Horticultural Correspondence College logo

Reply from Horticultural Correspondence College

Hi Tony, Thank you for your review, your feedback means a lot to us and we hope you enjoy the rest of your course. Best wishes from us all at HCC

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful customer service!

The lady I spoke to (Teresa) was just so helpful in talking through the course that I was interested in and answering all of my questions, can't recommend HCC enough as a way to study, it's a long time since I found anywhere with such excellent customer service.

8 July 2025
Unprompted review
Horticultural Correspondence College logo

Reply from Horticultural Correspondence College

Thank you for for your kind words and for your recommendation. Best wishes from us all at HCC.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Really helpful staff and a good and…

Really helpful staff and a good and easy to use system

14 May 2025
Unprompted review
Horticultural Correspondence College logo

Reply from Horticultural Correspondence College

Thank you for taking the time to leave us review, your feedback means alot to us. Best wishes from us all at HCC.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I am more than happy to promote this…

I am more than happy to promote this company. The coursework is clear and easy to understand and if you need help they are just a phone call away. The tutor was very constructive with his comments. I feel I have taken a big step in my life by completing my third course with them and hopefully I will be doing more in the future

15 April 2025
Unprompted review
Horticultural Correspondence College logo

Reply from Horticultural Correspondence College

Hello Wendy, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review and for your kind words. We're very happy to hear that you enjoyed your studies and look forward to welcoming you on to more courses in the future. Best wishes from us all at HCC

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

gardening

I have recently joined the course and the information and guidlines are easy to follow i have telephoned them
for information on a few questions i didnt understand
they are so polite and helpful

5 February 2025
Unprompted review
Horticultural Correspondence College logo

Reply from Horticultural Correspondence College

Thank you for your kind words. We wish you all the best with your studies and please do get in touch whenever you need any assistance. Best wishes, from us all at HCC

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