May Newsletter
Hello Eco-Coordinator,
The Eco-Schools Green Flag application window 2026, is now open and will remain open until midnight on 31st July.
We’ve already assessed more than100 applications, and our assessment team has been blown away by the quality of your submissions and the inspiring environmental action taking place across schools and nurseries in England.
From a Blackburn high school galvanising its wider community, to a nursery in Barnet with one of the best Eco‑Committee names we’ve ever seen ‘Harry and His Bucketful of Eco‑Heroes’, and a primary school in Liverpool planting hundreds of trees to create an on‑site woodland… Your impact has been fantastic to see.
So far, this year’s applications have been the highest standard yet, and we can’t wait to take a look at yours!
Green Flag Award Pack
One of the biggest changes this Eco-Schools cycle is our upgraded award pack! We designed it to be a joint moment of celebration for both staff and pupils. Watch the video above to see what’s included. We’d especially love to see that unboxing moment captured on camera. Tap here to find and tag us on Instagram.
Submission Support
When you’re ready to submit, don’t forget to watch our ‘How to…’ video above. It walks you through the entire process explaining what you’ll need to have prepared before submitting. And if you’re nearly ready, now is a great time to apply, submitting soon means you will be accredited in time for an end of year eco-celebration!
Help Shape the Future of Eco-Schools!
At Eco-Schools, we know how important innovation and evolution are as new environmental challenges and solutions emerge. As custodians of the programme, we work to ensure it continues to meet the needs of educators. With this in mind, we’re beginning to explore how the programme could evolve for the 2027–28 academic year, and we’d love your input. If you’re willing to help shape future improvements during a focus group later this academic year please email:
eco-schools@Keepbritaintidy.org or click the link above to let us know.
Thank You – The Great Big School Clean 2026
We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported the Great Big School Clean and Great British Spring Clean in 2026! During the campaign, almost 600,000 people took part, removing nearly half a million bags of litter, weighing around 1,700 tonnes or the equivalent of 16 blue whales. The campaign reached audiences nationwide, appearing on bus stop advertising, in the Mirror newspaper, and in over 30 other regional titles. But at the heart of its success were people like you, getting out there, protecting wildlife, improving communities, and leading by example. The campaign will be back next year, thank you!
Eco-Schools Support
If you’re in need of some last‑minute inspiration, don’t forget to explore the resources available when you log in to your Eco‑Schools account:
- Activity Pathways can be added directly to your application, helping you gather evidence for Steps 3, 4, 5, and 6 with.
- Eco‑Schools‑designed Eco‑Projects are ready‑to‑go resources, perfect for last‑minute activity ideas.
- The Eco‑Projects Directory features some of our favourite environmental projects from a wide range of organisations.
- Our Education Resources Directory offers plenty of inspiration to support Step 4: Curriculum Links.
Eco-Schools: Early Years Support
At Eco-Schools, we know practitioners like you are the real experts when it comes to environmental education for young people. That’s never been more evident than in a new book released today, Sustainability in the Early Years, part‑written by a partner we’ve been proud to work with for many years. Practical, optimistic, and endorsed by Eco-Schools, the book is available to purchase via the link above.
And don’t forget, to log in and check our free, inspirational resources including:
- Our Eco-Themed Learning Activites Directory.
- 100+ Sustainable Changes.
Eco-Projects: Calculate Your Carbon Footprint
This month’s spotlight Eco‑Project is Calculating Your Carbon Footprint, or, more specifically, involving young people in gathering the data needed to calculate your footprint on Count Your Carbon. By involving pupils in data collection, they begin to take ownership over their school’s sustainability efforts and understand everyday carbon emissions.
Don’t forget there are nine more Eco‑Projects to explore when you log in to your Eco‑Schools account, start an application, and head to the Step 3 resources.
What Else is Happening?
- Eco-Refill Shop Grant. Thanks to Ecosurety and Sea-Changers Marine Conservation Charity, 15 schools can now apply for funding to launch a pupil-led eco-refill shop through Pupils Profit. Open to KS2 and above, this project gives pupils the chance to plan, launch, and run a monthly refill shop selling affordable, eco-friendly household products to their school community. Be quick, funding is limited and the deadline is 15th May.
- Great Big Green Week. The Great Big Green Week brings together more than 1 million people to take action for communities, nature, and our environment. This year it begins on 4th June. You can sign up to receive a free resource pack, or click here to register for one of their free live lessons.
- Climate Action Advisers. Many schools want practical support to take the next step on climate action. Through Let’s Go Zero, schools, colleges and nurseries across England can access free, tailored advice from a Climate Action Advisor in their region, helping you cut carbon, engage pupils, and create a healthier, happier and more sustainable place to learn and work. Click below to find out more and connect with your local advisor.
- Young Changemakers. SEEd are now recruiting schools for their Young Changemakers programme next academic year. Open to Key Stage 3 and above, the programme helps students build valuable sustainability skills for future green careers, while empowering their voices and connecting them with local organisations to take real-world action.
- Walk to School Week. Beginning next week (18th May), Living Streets’ Walk to School Week encourages pupils to travel actively every day, whether that’s through walking, wheeling, cycling, scooting, or using Park and Stride. This year’s themes focus on mental health and wellbeing, sustainability, and community and inclusion.
- World Bee Day. World Bee Day is Wednesday 20th May. Celebrate by helping pupils learn about these vital pollinators. Explore the STEM Learning website (via the link below) for lesson ideas, or support them by clicking here and trying one of the five simple actions from the British Beekeepers Association. Thank you to Quince Tree Day Nursery for sending in the beautiful artwork above!
- 30 Days Wild. The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 Days Wild is the UK’s biggest nature challenge. It runs throughout June. The idea is simple: do one ‘wild’ activity each day, or a few each week, to connect with nature. When you register, you’ll receive a free pack full of ideas and inspiration to get started.
- Pride Month. June is Pride Month, a time to raise awareness and celebrate LGBTQ+ culture. With many LGBTQ+ pupils feeling less safe at school than their peers, it’s an important opportunity to build a more inclusive and supportive environment. Teachwire (linked to below) has highlighted a range of resources for all ages to help schools engage.
- World Ocean Day. World Ocean Day is on Monday 8th June. The day sees millions of people around the globe commit to protecting our blue planet. World Ocean Day for Schools offers inspiration, resources, and activities to help students explore and discuss the importance of our oceans.
Have a fantastic month and don’t forget to tag us in your Green Flag unboxing videos! As always, please get in touch if there’s anything we can support you with.
