Cowes Enterprise College Celebrates Another Eco-Schools’ Green Flag Award With Distinction 

Students at Cowes Enterprise College are celebrating a significant achievement as they have once again been awarded the prestigious Eco-Schools’ Green Flag with Distinction for their commitment to sustainability.

The academy, part of Ormiston Academies Trust, received the award in recognition of their exceptional work in promoting sustainability and raising environmental awareness within the school and the local community.

The Eco-Schools programme, first established in 1994, is an internal sustainability accreditation now implemented in over 70 countries worldwide.

In 2023-24, more than 1.4 million students attended an Eco-School in England.

The programme follows a tried-and-trusted seven-step framework which encourages young people to explore various environmental issues and lead environmental action in their school and community.

Since Cowes Enterprise College first started working with the Eco-Schools programme, the young eco-warriors’ accomplishments have included creating a Remembrance and Multi-Faith space, encouraging the switch to more energy-efficient lighting in their school, and boosting litter-picking initiatives across the school which have helped keep their local area clean and minimise the academy’s impact on the environment.

This year, the students built on these successes by focusing on three key topics: Marine, School Grounds, and Energy.

The Eco-Committee, comprising six students and two staff members, led a diverse range of activities, including Ormiston’s #WeWillBeOutdoors project, which improved the outdoor spaces for the entire school, holding in-school litter-picking events, and participating in the #WeWillRecycle initiative which tackles the problem of litter and encourages eco-conscious actions.

The academy’s hands-on projects not only enhanced the school environment but also reinforced the students' commitment to sustainability, with the students being awarded a distinction once again, underscoring the remarkable impact of the Eco-Council’s community-oriented actions, amplifying awareness and commitment to environmental stewardship.

Rachel Kitley, Principal at Cowes Enterprise College, said:

“We are immensely proud of our students for their dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

"Achieving the Green Flag award with Distinction once again is a testament to their hard work and passion for making a positive difference in our world.

"At Cowes Enterprise College, we believe in empowering our students to be leaders in sustainability, and this recognition highlights their incredible commitment to this cause."

Adam Flint, Eco-Schools England Manager, said:

“The Eco-Schools’ Green Flag is an international benchmark that demonstrates a commitment to fighting climate change and high standard of sustainable practice.

"Students and staff who earn this award deserve recognition for their dedication toward protecting our planet.

"Every day, they demonstrate that each of us can contribute to making our planet a better, more sustainable, place.”