Eco-Schools

Eco-Schools is an international award scheme, which provides a framework that could help schools improve their environmental status by embedding the principles of sustainable development into the heart of school life. Registered schools are expected to follow seven defined steps that can help them address a wide range of environmental issues. Some of these environmental themes are: waste management; biodiversity conservation; energy efficiency; and healthy living.

This programme will benefit your school by making it a more stimulating place to learn, whilst reducing the environmental impact of the whole school on the community. It also links in well with Every Child Matters, Healthy Schools and School Travel Plans and has been beneficial to schools during Ofsted inspections.

Benefits from Eco-Schools 

The scheme is aimed at encouraging students to take responsibilities for their current actions, which have implications on the future of their own environment. Pupil involvement is a key part of the Eco-Schools programme. Having pupils engaged in the whole process, including monitoring, action planning and decision-making, leads to genuine ownership of the programme and increases their sense of responsibility for the school environment, local area and global consequences.

It is also an award scheme that will raise the profile of your school in the wider community. There are three award levels: Bronze, Silver and Green Flag. Eco-Schools is run internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).   It is administered by ENCAMS in England.

How can you be involved? 

It is easy and free to join the Eco-Schools programme. Registration is open to all children's centres, nurseries, primary schools, secondary schools or schools with special status. Schools can register with the Eco-Schools programme on the national Eco-schools website, where you can also find more information. Once registered, your school will be part of an international group of schools working towards Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and a better quality of life for local and global communities.

Alternatively, the Sustainability Unit within Herefordshire Council can provide support; information on grants, awards and events. Contact the Sustainability Unit by telephone 01432 383449 or by e-mail eco-schools@herefordshire.gov.uk.

Eco-School rewards

Currently there are 108 schools across Herefordshire registered with the Eco-Schools programme.  Schools are given awards after completing sustainable projects and programmes. 

There are three levels of awards: the first 2 levels, Bronze and Silver are awarded after inspection from Herefordshire Council, the Green Flag awards are presented following inspection from external Eco-School representatives.  There are two schools in the County that have achieved their 4th Green Flag, these are: Staunton-on-Wye Primary School and Garway Primary School.  Peterchurch Primary School and Westfield School have all reached the 3rd Green Flag award.

The number of schools on each award:

• Bronze - 35
• Silver - 43
• 1st Green Flag - 8
• 2nd Green Flag - 5
• 3rd Green Flag - 3
• 4th Green Flag - 2

To find out which award your local school holds, visit the Eco-Schools search page.