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Sustainability, Leadership, and Climate Action Plans in Education

Liam Reece

Understanding the Latest Government Guidance on Sustainability in Education

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.

Key Components of the Sustainability Guidance

The government guidance focuses on six critical areas, often referred to as the ‘Six Cs’:

  1. Culture – Embedding sustainability within the school’s ethos and decision-making processes.
  2. Campus – ensuring that the school estate operates in an environmentally responsible manner, reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency.
  3. Curriculum – Integrating sustainability and climate education into teaching across all subject areas.
  4. Community – Engaging with parents, local organisations, and businesses to promote sustainability beyond the school gates.
  5. Careers – Equipping students with the skills and knowledge to pursue careers in green industries.
  6. CPD (Continuing Professional Development) – Providing ongoing training for staff to develop sustainability leadership and climate education expertise.

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.

What Schools Need to Do Next

To meet the government’s expectations, schools should take the following steps:

How SchooliP Can Help

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:

IP Newsletter March 2025

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