Pupils at Bentley CE Primary School have received international accreditation for their exceptional work in promoting sustainability and raising environmental awareness among their peers.

The Eco-Schools programme, established in 1994, is now implemented in more than 70 countries. In 2023-24, more than 1.4 million pupils attended an Eco-School in England.

The programme follows a tried-and-trusted seven-step framework that encourages young people to explore a variety of environmental issues before spearheading environmental action in their school and local community.

Since Bentley CE Primary School first engaged with the Eco-Schools programme in 2022, accomplishments have included creating a nature reserve in the school woods and implementing the Young ACAN Litter Picker Backpack scheme in every class.

This year pupils impressively built on these achievements by focusing on three key issues: energy, waste and marine. The eco-council then successfully delivered a diverse range of activities including monitoring food waste at lunchtime and raising awareness of how to protect rivers and oceans.

Through the Eco-Schools programme, the pupils in the eco-council have developed their leadership skills in school by delivering assemblies and talking to their classes, as well as litter picking in their school and the local community.

Speaking about their achievements, teacher and eco-council lead Emma Jones said: “Bentley’s eco-council give me hope for the future. The children care passionately about our planet and have worked hard this year to achieve our second Eco-Schools Green Flag with a distinction.”

Eco-Schools England manager Adam Flint said: “The Eco-Schools Green Flag is an international benchmark that demonstrates a commitment to fighting climate change and high standards of sustainable practice.

“Students and staff who earn this award deserve recognition for their dedication towards protecting our planet. Every day they demonstrate that each of us can contribute to making our planet a better, more sustainable, place.”