Celebrating the hat-trick: Surrey tops Eco-Schools Table for the third year
Eco-Schools is a national programme, in which around 1.5 million students participate annually, and which is designed around student-led projects which complement the curriculum.
The programme helps young people develop a range of skills in themes ranging from healthy living to global citizenship to water and transport, as well as key life skills, with teachers reporting:
- 97.4% of teachers agreed that participating had helped young people develop their teamwork skills.
- 96.9% of teachers agreed that participating increased young people’s confidence.
And for the 3rd year running, Surrey schools have topped the regional charts, registering the most Green Flag Awards in the country! Adam Flint from Eco-Schools summarised the achievement, with Surrey breaking the 100 Green Flag mark for the first time!
”Surrey schools are leading the way when it comes to climate action. This year, an amazing 101 schools achieved the Eco-Schools accreditation across the region. Amongst other incredible impacts, Surrey schools:
- 1545 trees were planted
- 448 active travel to school days were delivered
- 4236 young people took part in a litter pick
- 129,417 metres-squared of natural habitats (ie. meadows, wildflower, or rewilding areas) were created or maintained by young people
This success is testament to a region of proactive, dynamic and dedicated young people, supported by brilliant schools staff and their passionate local authorities. Their work has energised their local communities, inspiring region-wide action and bringing a can-do attitude to the fight against climate change. The whole of Surrey can be proud!”
A huge well done to all the schools across the county who take part in Surrey Eco-Schools, and to all the students who worked so hard to make their schools and communities great places to live and study. Nationally, activity by young people was supported by over 7,600 adults last year, with over 120,000 external collaborators supporting Eco-Schools project, demonstrating the excellent collaborative power of the programme.
The Eco-Schools programme empowers students across all age groups to participate in practical and educational activities that they might not otherwise experience, whilst providing the school with various training sessions and specialist support that can help offer students a rounded education.
By the end of 2025, all schools in England should be meeting the Department of Education’s (DfT) requirement to have a carbon management plan in place. Whilst Eco-Schools projects don’t necessarily venture into calculating the impact of the school, they are a great way to involve students in plans on everything from conserving energy, to minimising waste on school grounds, conserving water and more – all of which are necessary for a rounded sustainability plan.
In fact, during the last academic year, students participating in Eco-Schools across the country managed to achieve:
- 1.15m m2 of natural habitats were created or maintained in order to support biodiversity on school sites including meadows, wildflower, and rewilding areas.
- 4.6m kWh in gas use reduction compared to the previous academic year.
- £955,977 was raised for charity by Eco-Committees
- 7,372 walk, cycle, or scoot to school days were delivered.
- More than 1.8m kgs of waste was diverted from landfill.
If you’re school is interested in helping Surrey aim for a 4th success table-topping year this coming academic year, drop the team a message at greenerfutures@surreycc.gov.uk
