The Royal School Awarded a Coveted Eco-Schools Green Flag
Categories: News, Senior, Sixth Form, General
The Royal School is delighted to have been awarded an Eco-Schools Green Flag, an international accreditation that recognises the school’s efforts to be more environmentally friendly and raise eco-awareness in pupils.
A pupil committee led by head student, Hugo K, and overseen by head of humanities, Katie Allison-Guy, conducted an environmental review to assess how eco-friendly the school is. The review considered everything from biodiversity within the school grounds to how pupils and staff members travel to school. The committee then produced an action plan designed to advance the school’s green credentials, improve the local environment, and protect the planet.
Changes that have been implemented include a switch to LED lighting, recycling throughout the school and meat-free meals in the lunch hall.
Katie said, “The pupils on the committee have really embraced this challenge, understanding the importance, and the urgency, of needing everyone to change their behaviours to improve our environment both now and for the future. I am delighted that the eco-committee’s hard work has been recognised with this award and I know that the pupils see this as only the beginning. There are more projects and ideas in the pipeline for the new academic year.”
Hugo commented, “I am delighted that we have achieved a Green Flag award. A particular highlight was working with the Y7s on an environmental review of the school site. The whole school community has been involved in achieving the award, which I think is wonderful. When I became head student, one of my goals was to make the school more eco-friendly. I am very pleased with the progress that we are making to achieve this."
Eco-Schools England Manager, Adam Flint, said: “The Eco-Schools Green Flag award is an internationally recognised symbol of high environmental standards. The pupils and school staff that earn the award deserve immense credit for their hard work, determination, and creativity. Their passion for protecting our planet is an inspiration to us all.” To learn more about Eco-Schools head to www.eco-schools.org.uk
The Eco-Schools programme was established in 1994 and is now delivered in more than 70 countries across the globe. More than 1 million pupils attended an Eco-School in England in 2022-23.