The UK Government has placed a strong emphasis on sustainability within the education sector through its latest guidance on Sustainability Leadership and Climate Action Plans in Education. This guidance outlines a clear vision for schools and trusts to become environmentally responsible institutions that actively contribute to mitigating climate change while preparing students for a sustainable future.
A core requirement of the guidance is the appointment of a sustainability lead in every educational setting by 2025. This individual will be responsible for embedding sustainability across the school’s culture, operations, and curriculum. Additionally, schools and trusts are encouraged to develop comprehensive Climate Action Plans to ensure that sustainability becomes a strategic priority rather than an isolated initiative.
The government guidance focuses on six critical areas, often referred to as the ‘Six Cs’:
By addressing these areas, schools can ensure they are aligned with national sustainability goals while fostering a culture of environmental awareness among students and staff.
To meet the government’s expectations, schools should take the following steps:
SchooliP, the leading school improvement and performance management software, provides a free sustainability tool designed to support schools in implementing the government’s sustainability guidance effectively.
This tool offers a structured framework aligned with the ‘Six Cs’ to help schools develop and manage their Climate Action Plans with ease. Through SchooliP’s sustainability tool, schools can: