The eco-schools programme is an ideal way for schools to embark on a meaningful path towards improving the environment in both the school and the local community while at the same time having a life-long positive impact on the lives of young people and their families.

The eco-schools programme is pupil-led, involving hands-on learning that gets the whole school and the wider community involved in exciting environmental projects. 

Eco-Schools empowers pupils, raises environmental awareness, improves the school environment and also creates financial savings for schools. It engages the wider local community, links to the curriculum and can help deliver Ofsted requirements.

To find out more about Eco-Schools in England click here. 

To find out about Eco-Schools in Wales click here

To find out more about Eco-Schools in Northern Ireland click here.

Making a difference to pupils' lives

The eco-schools programme provides a unique opportunity that empowers pupils to lead change within their school and have a positive impact in their wider community. The programme encourages pupils of all ages and abilities to work together to develop their knowledge and environmental awareness. Independent research into the eco-schools programme in England found evidence of the positive impacts on pupils, including increased confidence, development of leaderships skills, improved pupil well-being and behaviour and greater motivation at school.

Waste less and save money

As well as the pupil benefits, which have a hugely positive effect on the whole school community, individual schools benefit from reducing their environmental impact. Eco-Schools consume less water and energy and produce less waste – in turn saving money that can be allocated elsewhere in the school.

How it works

The eco-schools programme consists of three structural elements – the seven step framework, the Eco-Schools topics and assessment for the international green flag award. To be successful, the programme requires support from school leaders and active involvement from staff, as well as a long-term commitment and the willingness to involve students in decision-making. The Eco-Schools seven steps methodology is a series of  carefully engineered measures to help schools maximise the success of their Eco-School ambitions.

While the seven steps are the most important aspect of the eco-schools programme, schools also work on topics to help give the programme even more structure; marine, biodiversity, energy, litter, global citizenship, healthy living, school grounds, transport, waste and water.

Eco-Schools provides schools with FREE resources for each of the seven steps to help you progress to the international Eco-Schools green flag award within 12 months of registration.

First published 28 February 2020