37 Central Bedfordshire schools awarded Eco-Schools Green Flag status

Eco-Schools Green Flag accreditation has been handed to 37 schools and nurseries for the 2025/26 academic year – an increase of eight schools from last year.

And the percentage of schools achieving a merit of distinction has also risen.

The internationally recognised award celebrates pupil-led environmental action and the collective efforts of young people and educators to make schools more biodiverse and environmentally responsible.

The Eco-Schools programme, delivered in England by Keep Britain Tidy, is a global initiative operating in more than 100 countries and engaging over one million young people nationally each year.

Central Bedfordshire Council’s sustainability team supported schools throughout the year.

And this year also included the start of the Sustainable Student Program, which teaches students in Years 10, 11 and 12 skills for the environment and sustainability sector.

Activities ranged from reducing plastic waste and cutting energy use to improving school grounds and promoting sustainable travel.

The impact of Central Bedfordshire schools’ collective action include:

28,300 kWh of electricity saved this year

4,500 kg of waste diverted from landfill

1,400 redistributed uniform items

Councillor Tracey Wye, executive member for climate change and resilience, said: “Seeing so many of our schools achieve Eco-Schools Green Flag status is truly inspiring. These awards recognise not just environmental action, but the passion, creativity and leadership shown by young people across Central Bedfordshire. From Tiny Forests and eco-gardens to reducing plastic and cutting carbon, these projects show that our next generation is already leading the way on climate action. I’m incredibly proud of every pupil, teacher and school community involved, and grateful to our Sustainability Team and sponsors for helping to make this success possible.”

This year’s sponsor was Bedford Education Partnership (BEP).

Schools across Central Bedfordshire are encouraged to sign up for Eco-Schools this year to access new resources, eco-activities, and opportunities to further their sustainability journeys. Registration is free and available online.

The full list of schools handed the award this year is:

Green Flag schools

With Distinction

Alameda Middle School, Ampthill

Arnold Academy, Barton-le-Clay

Aspley Guise Village School

Brooklands Middle School, Leighton Buzzard

Dovery Academy, Leighton Buzzard

Edward Peake School, Biggleswade

Fairfield Park Lower School

Hadrian Academy, Dunstable

Haynes Lower School

Heathwood Lower School, Leighton Buzzard

Holywell School, Cranfield

Kingsmoor Lower School, Flitwick

Linslade Lower School

Parkfields Middle School, Toddington

Potton Primary School

Priory Academy, Dunstable

Pulford CofE VA Lower School, Leighton Buzzard

Sandy Secondary School

Shefford Lower School

Silsoe VC Lower School

St Leonard’s VA Lower School, Heath and Reach

The Rushmere Park Academy, Leighton Buzzard

Toddington St George C of E School

Woburn Lower School

With Merit

Beecroft Academy, Dunstable

Laburnum Primary School, Sandy

Maulden Lower School

Southcott Lower School, Leighton Buzzard

Green Flag achieved

Harlington Upper School

Lawnside Academy, Biggleswade

Robert Bloomfield Academy, Shefford

The Mary Bassett Lower School, Leighton Buzzard

Thornhill Primary School, Houghton Regis

Nurseries

Cedars Day Nursery, Leighton Buzzard

Cherry Trees Day Nursery, Cranfield

Kiddi Caru Day Nursery and Preschool in Leighton Buzzard

Westfield Nursery School, Dunstable