Ogbourne CofE Primary School in Wiltshire is celebrating after receiving the prestigious Eco-Schools Award with distinction, recognising the school’s outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability.
The award reflects the efforts of pupils, staff and the wider school community, with assessors particularly praising the creation of the school’s Psalm 23 Reflection Garden.
The newly established wildflower meadow has already attracted a wide variety of insects and birds, helping to boost biodiversity across the school grounds. It also provides pupils with a peaceful space for reflection, learning and connecting with nature.
Eco-Schools assessors also commended the way sustainability has been embedded across the curriculum, giving pupils practical opportunities to learn about caring for the environment.
Children have taken part in initiatives including ‘Carbon Free November’, explored ways to reduce waste and introduced small but effective changes around the school. These include using reusable tea towels in the Early Years Foundation Stage, as well as sponge and glue pots in the infant classes to help cut down on single-use materials.
Water conservation has also been a key focus at Ogbourne, with new water butts installed around the school. Collected rainwater is now being used for water play, helping pupils to see the value of saving and reusing natural resources.
Looking ahead, the school plans to build on this work by creating rain gardens and collecting rainwater from the building’s flat roof.
Lucy Crump, principal at Ogbourne CofE Primary School, said, “We’re delighted to receive this recognition, which reflects the superb efforts of our entire school community. As our climate continues to change, we remain dedicated to learning, adapting and taking positive action to protect our environment.
“As part of the next stage of Ogbourne’s Eco journey, all pupils will take part in workshops to learn how to care for and maintain the Reflection Garden. This will help keep caring for the environment at the heart of school life, both within and beyond the school gates.”
The award with distinction highlights the school’s ongoing commitment to helping pupils understand their role in protecting the environment, while encouraging them to take positive action within their school and wider community.
