We were thrilled to learn this week that we have been awarded the Eco-Schools Green Flag award with Distinction. This is the highest level of accreditation and celebrates all of the wonderful work of our eco council and the amazing Mrs Miles.

I think it is worth sharing the panel's feedback in its entirety:

It’s very impressive that you have formed such a large Eco-Committee. It shows that young people in your school are aware of environmental issues and committed to being active and creating positive change. This knowledge and attitude has provided your school with excellent foundations for the many successes that you’ve achieved this year. Your Eco-Committee were elected democratically, which is a fair and mature approach – well done to selected members on their appointment! The pupil quote provided is brilliant. They’re clearly a passionate and impressive young person and we’re delighted that they have been given an opportunity to make a difference through the Eco-Schools programme, what a fantastic ambassador for your school and our programme.

"Because I wanted the responsibility of taking care of the planet" is a great pupil quote! It was lovely to read all the comments on your Environmental Review and gain a real insight into the debate and discussion that took place whilst completing it. It’s clear your Eco-Committee are constantly considering what actions they can take to improve their local community and benefit our planet.

Your Action Plan shows that your Eco-Committee have carefully considered how they can involve their entire school in their planned Eco-Schools’ activities to achieve maximum impact and raise awareness amongst their school community. We loved reading about your litter-picks!

You have provided practical and fun curriculum examples, which impressively build on the projects you have worked on in your Action Plan. This is a great way to add context to your Eco-Schools work, it means young people at your school are given the opportunity to learn about important environmental issues and then the chance to work on these issues – a great dual approach.

You have worked with a variety of different individuals and organisations including Keep Britain tidy, Climate resilient schools, The Fourth Reserve Foundation and East London BioGas, relying on their expertise and passion to enrich and inform your Eco-Schools journey. No doubt this was a mutually beneficial experience for all, as these individuals and organisations must have also been inspired by your dedicated Eco-Committee.

Your greatest successes link clearly to the experience of your pupils. Gaining a sense of empowerment and awareness is a great success! This is what the best forms of climate action are about – impactful but achievable things that create a positive experience and prompt more action. We love this!

Your Eco-Code is very punchy, clear and easy to digest for those that see it. It’s a direct call to action. We love this! It was also wonderful to read you had supplemented your environmental learning with a field trip to Beckenham place park and Creekside – the day sounded brilliant!

Thank you so much for submitting such a terrific application. We have loved reading about your journey and are incredibly impressed by all you have achieved. We have no hesitation in awarding you an Eco-Schools Green Flag with Distinction, congratulations!