Churston Ferrers Grammar School is one of just 56 schools to successfully beat off competition from schools across England to win the grant, awarded by the National College for School Leadership (NCSL).

To bid for the money, Churston Ferrers submitted details of current sustainable projects, how they have been led and how they propose to share their experiences with other schools. The entry was subsequently judged a winning entry by NCSL. The school was also recognised for its already progressive sustainable practice and for its high quality leadership.

In 2001 Churston Ferrers began its ‘Force for Change’ project, working with Devon Wildlife Trust to establish a student group to co-ordinate a Natural Understanding Project, targeting the whole school.

A giant recycled hedgehog is spearheading the schools campaign on ‘War on Waste’ to address the 20 tonnes of waste currently being sent to landfill each year by the school. Internationally the school is working with non-government organisations to support and work with schools in Peru, raising £2000 last year to support these links.

 

Using the grant money, the school will now form a network with other schools in the area to share good practice in sustainable thinking. It’s also set to assist NCSL with research into leading sustainability in schools in varying educational settings.

Toby Greany, NCSL’s Operational Director of Research and Policy said: “We have been extremely impressed with the number and the standard of applications we received from schools bidding for the grants, it really shows the effort which schools are starting to put in to sustainability. This commitment is great news and shows that the scale of the problem is recognised among school leaders, we look forward to them assisting us with our research.

“We remain dedicated to supporting heads to be sustainable and hope that these grants go some way towards helping them achieving this. It seems likely that the government will expect schools to achieve significant reductions in carbon emissions in coming years, so the issue is becoming increasingly important. Our ultimate aim at NCSL is to support school leaders to explore and share effective practice in this critical area. ”