This academic year, pupils at Ousedale School have demonstrated outstanding leadership in championing sustainability and inspiring meaningful environmental action across their school and wider community. Their passion, creativity, and commitment to creating positive environmental impact have been recognised with Eco‑Schools Green Flag accreditation, which celebrates excellence in environmental education and pupil‑led action.

Established in 1994, the Eco‑Schools programme has spent more than 30 years inspiring and empowering young people to become environmental leaders. Today, Eco‑Schools Green Flag accreditation is awarded in more than 100 countries, reflecting the programme’s global impact. In England alone, it reaches over one million young people each year, supporting them to take meaningful action and drive positive change for our planet.

At Ousedale, Sustainability Pupil Leaders, supported by Emma Laurence (Director of Environmental Studies) used the Eco-Schools seven-step framework to drive improvements in their school’s sustainability. They began by carrying out a thorough environmental review of their school grounds, buildings, and curriculum. Using their findings, pupils then collaborated to create a detailed, year‑long action plan designed to deliver meaningful, measurable change.

Their Action Plan focused on three key areas: biodiversity, energy and waste. To address these priorities, the Sustainability Leaders led a series of impactful initiatives, including a wellbeing garden project (which received a biodiversity award from The Parks Trust), soft plastic recycling and reducing energy use. Each activity was designed not only to improve their school’s environmental performance but also to inspire the wider school community to adopt more sustainable everyday behaviours.

Speaking about their achievements, staff member Emma Laurence (Director of Environmental Studies) said, “Achieving this award is a fantastic accomplishment, but what makes me most proud is the passion and commitment of our Sustainability Leaders, who are dedicated to creating positive change for our planet. This award recognises their hard work and gives us a strong platform to continue building a more sustainable future.” 

And pupil Alyss Rice-Grubb (Year 9) stated, “Being a sustainability leader I have learnt to appreciate the environment more, we do many things that sometimes I have never even thought of to help provide a more sustainable future. Seeing everyone come together and think of ideas to help make our school more green has encouraged me to do more at home.” 

Eco-Schools England Manager, Adam Flint, said: "Young people want to create meaningful change, and they have shown they are more than capable of doing so. Their efforts deserve recognition and should act as inspiration to us all. Our planet is already feeling the effects of climate change, pollution and waste, but young people across England have shown we do not have to accept this, a more sustainable future is possible.”

To learn more about the Eco-Schools programme and accreditation, head to www.eco-schools.org.uk.