We are delighted to announce that Colfe’s Junior School has been awarded the Eco-Schools Green Flag with Distinction 2026, recognising our commitment to environmental sustainability and the outstanding work of our Eco-Committee.
Led by Year 4 teacher Mrs Underhill, the Eco-Committee met every Monday lunchtime, alongside two weekly after-school Eco Club sessions, to develop and implement an action plan designed to make the school community more environmentally friendly.
Mrs Underhill said: “I was delighted by the enthusiasm shown by so many students for the ECO Committee and ECO Club. It has been a privilege to work alongside such committed young people and to gain valuable insights from both them and the whole school.”
One of the key highlights recognised by the Eco-Schools assessment team was the enthusiasm and dedication of our pupils. What began as a committee of 17 students soon grew into a whole-school initiative, encouraging pupils, staff and parents alike to make more environmentally conscious choices in their everyday lives.
As part of the Eco-Schools programme, the committee identified three focus areas for improvement: energy, marine conservation and transport. Pupils took action by creating posters promoting active travel to school and launching a successful Carbon Month, which encouraged families across the school to reduce their carbon footprint through simple daily changes. Pupils also designed weekly posters for staff rooms, reminding colleagues of ways to adopt more sustainable habits.
Throughout the year, pupils participated in a range of environmentally themed projects and competitions using recycled materials. One standout initiative involved collecting recycled bottle tops, which were transformed into an impressive Colfe’s roebuck display. These creative projects, along with many other sustainability campaigns, contributed to the school’s Green Flag success.
The Eco-Committee continues to grow, with number increasing from 17 to 20 pupils this year. This reflects the growing passion among our students to make a positive difference and help protect the environment.
Another notable achievement came when members of the Eco-Committee received a letter on behalf of the Prime Minister. Having explored the impact of single-use plastics on the environment, pupils wrote to raise concerns about the use of glitter and its environmental impact. Their efforts were recognised with an official response, highlighting the importance of pupil voice and environmental advocacy.
This award is a testament to the hard work, creativity and commitment of our pupils and staff. Congratulations to Mrs Underhill, the Eco-Committee and everyone involved in helping Colfe’s achieve this fantastic recognition.
