Cowes Enterprise College Celebrates Another Eco-Schools’ Green Flag 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, an international accreditation recognising their outstanding work in promoting sustainability and raising environmental awareness within the school and the local community.

The Eco-Schools programme, established in 1994, is 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, encouraging young people to explore various environmental issues and lead environmental action in their school and community.

Since Cowes Enterprise College first engaged with the Eco-Schools programme, accomplishments have included creating a Remembrance/Multi-Faith space, switching to more energy-efficient lighting, and boosting litter-picking initiatives across the school.

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 the #WeWillBeOutdoors project, which improved the outdoor spaces for the entire school, holding in-school litter-picking events, and participating in the #WeWillRecycle initiative. These hands-on projects not only enhanced the school environment but also reinforced the students’ commitment to sustainability.

Principal Rachel Kitley 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.”

Eco-Schools England Manager, Adam Flint, added:

“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.”

Cowes Enterprise College continues to champion sustainability through student-led initiatives, making a lasting impact on both the school and the wider community.