Students at Ralph Allen School welcomed Bath MP Wera Hobhouse and Councillor Sarah Warren to showcase the school’s growing range of sustainability projects.
The visit highlighted the work of the school’s student-led Green Team, which has been driving initiatives to reduce emissions, improve biodiversity and encourage sustainable habits across the school community.
Since early 2025, Ralph Allen School has been working with Let’s Go Zero, a national programme supporting schools to become healthier, more resilient and lower carbon.
During the visit, Wera and Councillor Warren met Let’s Go Zero Climate Action Advisor Paula Malone, Ralph Allen School Sustainability Lead Anna Wallace and Interim Headteacher Seb Witts before being given a tour by members of the Green Team.
Sixth Form students showed visitors a number of projects, including the school’s Wellness Garden, which provides a peaceful outdoor space where students can relax and connect with nature. The tour also featured expanded bike storage facilities, recycling stations and a vegetable garden where pupils are growing produce including tomatoes and rhubarb.
Students also demonstrated a battery recycling initiative, complete with a larger-than-life collection point designed to encourage families and the wider community to recycle used batteries.
The Green Team has also been encouraging pupils and staff to reduce energy consumption by switching off lights, screens and computers when not in use. Fundraising by the students has helped pay for signage promoting recycling and energy-saving measures across the school.
Seb Witts, Interim Headteacher, said, “Since partnering with Let’s Go Zero we have achieved some incredible results on our journey to net zero. We have been able to develop links with other organisations, draw in vital funding and have seen real savings in our energy budget. We are excited to see what we can do together in the future!”
Paula Malone, Let’s Go Zero Climate Action Advisor, said, “It was fantastic to have Wera Hobhouse and Councillor Sarah Warren come to Ralph Allen to see the great sustainability work taking place across the school. From wellness gardens to heat pumps, the staff and students have a real passion for the environment and reducing emissions. It’s been a pleasure to support this work and see their progress.”
Lulu, a member of the Green Team, said, “We are trying to use any space we have, no matter the size, to make a difference. Our vegetable garden was once an unused area, but we’re now using this small space to grow food.”
Councillor Sarah Warren said, “It was great to meet the Green Team and hear about their exciting initiatives. B&NES Council are working hard to decarbonise school travel by making it safe to walk, scoot and cycle. Scholars’ Way will soon make it safer to walk and cycle to Ralph Allen School, and connect educational establishments with communities across the south of the city.”
Wera Hobhouse added, “I was delighted to meet young people taking a leading role in reducing their school’s carbon emissions, improving biodiversity and promoting active travel and public transport options.
“Climate change threatens our health, safety and security, but Ralph Allen is demonstrating that schools can be pivotal in leading change in our communities and contributing to climate resilience.
“Young people are our future and it is encouraging to see them take direct action to make their environment a healthier place to be.”
All photos by Let’s Go Zero
