09/02/2009

Minister Celebrates Eco-Schools Success

Over half of schools in England have achieved Eco School status, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn announced today.

Visiting Long Eaton Secondary School in Derbyshire Mr Benn congratulated pupils on turning their school into an environmentally friendly flagship eco-school.

Run by Keep Britain tidy on behalf of Defra, the Eco-Schools programme is an international award scheme that encourages children and teachers to make their school more environmentally-friendly and sustainable. By following a simple seven step process covering themes ranging from litter and waste, to health-living and biodiversity, schools work towards gaining Bronze, Silver and the highest level Green Flag.

Mr Benn said: "I'm delighted to see the initiatives that have helped Long Eaton School achieve Green Flag status in the Eco-Schools scheme.

"Schools have an important part to play in helping young people to build a greener future for us all - and it's young people that will lead the way in creating a healthy environment for future generations.

"It's a huge achievement that so many schools across England have achieved Eco-School status and demonstrated their commitment to an environmentally-friendly future."

Phil Barton, Chief Executive of Keep Britain Tidy, which runs Eco-Schools in England, said: "To reach the stage where more than half of England's schools are registered as Eco-Schools is a remarkable achievement and a great testament to pupils and teachers across the country.

"Long Eaton School is an excellent example of how taking part in the scheme can add a new dimension to children's education and provide them with vital ecological knowledge to take into later life.

"As the world becomes increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability, I believe that Eco-Schools will play an even greater role in equipping the next generation to meet the challenges of the future."

Hilary Benn also launched a regional three year action plan for tackling greenhouse gas emissions and building resilience to climate impacts in the East Midlands on behalf of Government Office for the East Midlands, East Midlands Development Agency, East Midlands Regional Assembly and Environment Agency, in association with the East Midlands Climate Change Steering Group.

(JM/BMcC)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

30 June 2015
Pupil Premium Impact Will Take Time - NAO
The National Audit Office (NAO) has said the full impact of allocating money to schools for poorer pupils 'will take time'. The department's report said the Pupil Premium has 'potential' to bring about a more significant improvement in outcomes. However, it added there was still 'more to do' by schools and government.
15 November 2012
BHA Mount Legal Case Against Faith Schools
The British Humanist Association (BHA) has today begun a potentially landmark high court case aimed at halting what campaigners call the "back-door" spread of new state religious schools through England, approved by councils without residents being given a choice of alternative.
20 September 2010
Free Schools Defeat For Lib Dems
The Liberal Democrats have suffered defeat in a vote over supporting new free schools. The schools, due to open next year, have been a contentious issue with activists opposing the coalition proposal and calling for the party to urge people turn their backs on it.
18 June 2010
Free Schools To 'Harness Teachers' Passion'
The process for setting up and running so-called 'free schools' to allow teachers, charities and parents to develop facilities in response to parental demand is to be revised.
10 October 2005
Poorer pupils ‘underrepresented’ at top state schools
Pupils from poorer families are “significantly underrepresented” at the UK’s top 200 state secondary schools, an education charity has reported. The report, by the Sutton Trust, found that only 3% of students at those schools qualify for free school meals, compared to a national average of 14.3%.