We are delighted to announce that Prince’s Mead has once again been awarded the prestigious Eco-Schools Distinction, the highest level of accreditation, for the second year running. This national recognition reflects the incredible enthusiasm, teamwork, and commitment shown by our pupils and staff to making our school a greener, more sustainable place.
From encouraging biodiversity to reducing waste and promoting eco-awareness throughout our community, we have made great strides over the past year. The judges were particularly impressed with how we’ve built on last year’s successes, further embedding sustainability into everyday school life.
Highlights of our eco-initiatives this year include:
Growing and Gardening
Our thriving RHS Level 5 Accredited Gardening Club continues to nurture our large vegetable patch, supplying fresh produce for the school kitchen. We’ve also planted wildflower boxes to support pollinators, and water our crops using water butts. Pupils take real pride in tending to our grounds and helping nature flourish.
Birdlife and Biodiversity
This year, pupils took part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch and were inspired to create dozens of bird boxes in a school-wide competition. The result? We hope Prince’s Mead will become home to many more feathered friends!
Wildlife Monitoring
We’ve been busy exploring the incredible biodiversity around us, from pond dipping and animal tunnels in the woods to keeping logs of the plants and creatures that share our site.
Waste Reduction and Sustainability
Our packed lunches are now plastic-free, served in paper bags, and we are doing our best to reuse materials, reduce waste and save water across the school. Pupils designed eco-signs to encourage turning off lights, and regular eco-checks show that these small actions are making a big difference.
Sustainable Choices
Our new school uniform is made from recycled materials, and our second-hand uniform shop continues to thrive. Unused clothing has been recycled into house insulation and donated to a school in Africa, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Eco-Friendly Travel
Most of our pupils travel to school using shared minibus transport, helping to reduce our carbon footprint as a rural school.
Eco-Food Initiatives
Pupils have a real say in the food they eat. They’re proud to promote meat-free meals and support sustainable choices in the dining room.
Curriculum Connections and Global Awareness
Eco-awareness is woven into our curriculum. Highlights this year include writing environment-themed poetry, studying climate action at COP29, and welcoming inspiring visitors such as Obki the eco-alien and a representative from the local RSPB. These experiences have raised the profile of our Green Team and helped pupils understand the global impact of their local actions.
The Eco-Schools team praised the depth of our commitment, writing:
“Children at your school are becoming more aware of sustainable living and the importance of being active in protecting our planet and the fauna and flora within it.”
We are incredibly proud of this recognition and all the hard work from our staff, pupils, and wider school community. Together, we are making a difference, not only at Prince’s Mead, but for the future of our planet.