Eco-Schools Distinction 2026!

We are bursting with pride here at Brearley Hall. Across the last academic year, our students have led the way in promoting sustainability and raising environmental awareness both in school and out in the community. Their exceptional efforts have now been recognised with the prestigious, internationally recognised Eco-Schools Green Flag accreditation with Distinction — the highest possible accolade!

This is a wonderful achievement, and it belongs to every young person who rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in. Let us tell you how they did it.

A Global Movement for Young Environmentalists

The Eco-Schools programme has been inspiring young environmentalists since 1994 — that's over 30 years of empowering children to care for our planet. What began as a bright idea has grown into a truly global movement, with Eco-Schools Green Flag accreditation awarded to schools in more than 100 countries.

In England alone, the programme reaches over 1 million young people every year. To be counted among them, and to earn Distinction, places our students in remarkable company.

Following the Seven-Step Framework

Our young people embraced the trusted Eco-Schools seven-step framework to champion positive environmental behaviours and push our school sustainability journey forward.

They started by carrying out a thorough review of our school environment and curriculum. With a clear picture of where we stood, they developed a year-long plan of action. This Action Plan zeroed in on three key areas:

• Biodiversity

• Waste

• Healthy Living

  
  

Turning Plans Into Action

Ideas are great, but our students turned theirs into real, hands-on change. Here's a taste of what they got up to across the year:

• Weekly recycling in school, including installing plastic, metal and paper recycling bins in every classroom.

• Composting all our food waste to create fresh soil, save money and shrink our school's carbon footprint.

• Learning practical woodland skills such as shelter building and working with fire, rope and woodcraft tools — earning their Wild Passports along the way.

• Exploring the plants, fungi and animals that call Brearley Hall home, and uncovering fascinating facts about each of them.

• Cooking up wild foraged treats, from wild garlic dough balls to elderflower fritters.

• Feeding our local wildlife with homemade pinecone birdfeeders and tasty pastry maggots.

Every one of these activities helped our students connect with nature, understand their impact, and see just how much of a difference small, everyday choices can make.

Words From Our Team

Our Forest School Leader, Julia Gravestock, couldn't be prouder:

"I'm incredibly proud of our young people and all that they have managed to achieve this year. Their enthusiasm has driven these environmental projects forward and it's great to see them gain an international award for this!"

Eco-Schools England Manager, Adam Flint, added:

"The Eco-Schools' Green Flag is an international benchmark that demonstrates a commitment to fighting climate change and high standard of sustainable practice. Students and staff who earn this award deserve recognition for their dedication toward protecting our planet. Every day, they demonstrate that each of us can contribute to making our planet a better, more sustainable, place."

What Comes Next

This Distinction is a celebration of everything our students have accomplished — but it's also a springboard. The habits they've built, from recycling and composting to foraging and caring for wildlife, will stay with them for years to come.

A huge thank you to our students, staff, and the families who cheered them on. Together, you've shown that when young people lead, real change follows.

Here's to an even greener year ahead. 🌱