Could Your Child’s School Be Next? Cornwall Pupils Lead the Way in Eco-Schools Programme

Schools Encouraged to Join National Sustainability Drive

Schools across Cornwall are being urged to take part in the national Eco-Schools programme to help make their communities more sustainable and environmentally friendly. With a government recommendation that all schools should have a climate action plan by the end of 2025, the push for more participation is gaining momentum.

Nanstallon Primary School, near Bodmin, is one of 41 schools in Cornwall to hold Eco-Schools Green Flag status, having passed their accreditation with distinction last year.

Pupils Taking the Lead on Environmental Change

At Nanstallon, pupils took charge by forming an Eco Club, which worked throughout the year to focus on three eco-related topics from a list of ten before being assessed on their achievements.

Charlotte Clarke, Education Project Manager at Cornwall Council, which supports the programme in the region, explained the impact:

“Pupils at Nanstallon School focused on waste, biodiversity and energy, with activities created around these topics to expand the learning opportunities of everyone in the school.

“They held assemblies, planted vegetables, created an orchard, monitored and reduced their food waste, set campaigns for families to take part in, made bug hotels, nominated eco monitors, created bird feeders and went on bug hunts.”

Eco Club Inspires a New Generation

Beyond sustainability, the programme helps children develop a sense of responsibility and leadership.

“This early exposure to environmental issues also encourages responsibility and leadership, as children take active roles in decision-making and community projects,” Charlotte said.

Ben Stephenson, Headteacher at Nanstallon Primary School, praised the programme’s impact on students, saying:

“This project has deepened the children’s sense of purpose, responsibility and ownership of their environment.

“The process of forming a democratic group and then evaluating how we do things now, so we can improve things for the future through action and evaluation, as part of our curriculum, is also a genuine way to dovetail doing good and being ethical with a learning process.”

Pupils Share Their Passion

The pupils involved in Eco Club have found the experience rewarding and inspiring.

Seren, a Year 5 student, said: “I have learnt so much about taking care of the environment that I will keep doing forever. I’d love to continue to do things like composting in the future; it’s easy and really helps you to live positively.”

Archie, from Year 4, added: “Eco Club is also about making things and it’s great to be arty while learning about the environment.”

Charlie, in Year 6, shared his enthusiasm: “You learn so many new things like what lives in bug hotels, how to plant trees. I never knew trees were so easy to plant!”

The club also helps children find their voice. Charlotte recalled one student’s transformation:

“One child was too shy to speak in an assembly, but after a term of learning about sustainability, that same pupil confidently stood before the entire school and led the assembly. It was one of the most rewarding aspects of Eco Club.”

A Call for More Schools to Get Involved

Cllr Barbara Ellenbroek, cabinet member for children and families at Cornwall Council, described the pupils at Nanstallon as “truly inspirational.”

“Promoting Eco-Schools in Cornwall is crucial because it instils a strong sense of environmental responsibility in our young people, ensuring they understand the importance of sustainability from an early age.

“Through this programme we not only benefit our children’s education but also contribute to a more sustainable and vibrant Cornwall.”

The Eco-Schools programme is open to all schools across Cornwall. For more information, visit Let’s Talk Cornwall.

Photos: Pupils at Nanstallon School, which has been awarded Eco-School status.