Eco-schools

‘An international programme aiming to make environmental awareness and action an intrinsic part of the life and ethos of the school’

• Eco-schools operates in 50 countries.
• Over 40,000 schools are registered world-wide.
• More than 6,000 schools have achieved Green Flag status globally.
• Around 15,000 schools are working towards achieving green flag status in England.
• Over 1,250 schools currently fly the Green Flag in England.

Kent is ranked second in England for the number of Green Flag Awards, and we are achieving more every year.

An 'eco-school' is a school committed to improving its environment; both inside the school buildings and outside in the school grounds.

Eco-schools is an international programme that provides a structured approach to environmental education, involving pupils, teachers, parents and governors.

Your school can make gradual improvements to the way it interacts with the environment and create links to other schools, here and abroad. For ideas about how to reduce the energy you use and the main points you need to consider here is an overview (Power Point, 861k) or have a look at our Cut Costs, Cut Carbon page.

Why get Involved?

Improving their environment means that eco-schools:

• Save money by reducing energy, water and waste.
• Find new ways to re-use and recycle items that help the environment, charities and school funds.
• Have litter-free sites that are welcoming to visitors, pupils, staff and wildlife.
• Provide opportunities for the pupils to take responsibility. Pupils are given jobs to help the school recycle, compost and monitor energy and water use. Pupils often chair the action team meetings and take the minutes. This develops their decision-making, problem-solving and thinking skills.
• Can take pride in their achievements and use them to engage local communities in taking action.
• Promote environmental by linking projects to a range of curriculum subjects as well as extra-curricular activities.

Get started or apply for an award.

Getting the most from your Green Flag

This is an achievement to be proud of and most schools will organise a formal presentation day and press coverage:

Top tips:
• Invite your local MP, parents and members of your local community.
• Invite the local press and media (radio).
• Consider applying for a Clean Kent Flag.