At St Benet’s, sustainability is something that we take extremely seriously. We believe that every member of our school community has a responsibility to care for God’s creation and to make positive choices that help protect our environment for future generations. Through a wide range of initiatives, we are working hard to reduce our environmental impact while encouraging our children to develop lifelong sustainable habits.

A key driver of our work is our enthusiastic and proactive Climate Action Group. Made up of dedicated members of our school community, the group takes a leading role in promoting sustainable practices throughout the school. They regularly encourage children and staff to switch off lights and electrical equipment when they are not in use, helping to reduce unnecessary energy consumption. Each week in reward assembly, they hand out our globe award to the class that they have noticed has been the most climate friendly throughout the week. The group also champions ways to reduce waste and minimise the use of single-use plastics, ensuring that sustainability remains at the forefront of school life. They have even told teachers to stop laminating!

One of the most successful initiatives led by our Climate Action Group has been the promotion of re-use and recycling. Through our popular pre-loved tuck shops, families are encouraged to give clothing and toys a second life rather than buying new items wherever possible. This not only reduces waste but also supports families and helps our community think more sustainably about consumption. Alongside this, children are actively involved in recycling programmes and educational activities that increase awareness of how small changes can make a significant difference to our planet.

We are also proud to be developing our own growing areas within school, where children have the opportunity to grow vegetables and learn about sustainable food production. These hands-on experiences help children understand where food comes from, the importance of caring for the environment, and the benefits of making environmentally responsible choices. Watching vegetables grow from seed to harvest provides valuable learning opportunities and encourages a deeper appreciation of nature.

Our commitment to sustainability was recognised in April 2026, when St Benet’s proudly achieved Climate Friendly Schools Status. This important achievement reflects the hard work, dedication and passion of our pupils, staff and wider community. While we are incredibly proud of this recognition, we see it as just one step on our sustainability journey.

Looking ahead, we remain committed to finding new ways to become even more sustainable in the months and years to come. By continuing to work together, embracing innovative ideas and empowering our pupils to lead the way, we hope to make a lasting positive impact on both our local community and the wider world. At St Benet’s, sustainability is not simply a project; it is a shared commitment to creating a greener, healthier future for everyone.