QEH Awarded Eco-Schools Green Flag with Distinction

We are delighted to announce that QEH has been awarded the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award with Distinction, in recognition of a year filled with inspiring environmental action and community engagement across both the Junior and Senior Schools.

This prestigious award celebrates not only our ongoing commitment to sustainability but also the imagination, leadership and teamwork shown by our pupils and staff in driving eco-initiatives throughout the school community.

Empowering Young Changemakers Across the School

Throughout the academic year, QEH students have taken the lead on a wide range of sustainability-themed projects under the Eco-Schools programme. From environmental education to hands-on conservation and wellbeing, their efforts have spanned every corner of school life.

One of the year’s standout achievements came under the Global Citizenship theme, with students coordinating the collection and delivery of over half a ton of pre-loved school books. These were sent to areas of the world where educational resources are limited—promoting both literacy and the values of re-use and equity.

Promoting Healthy Living and Active Travel

As part of our Healthy Living theme, Year 8 students rose to the challenge of a healthy snack competition. The winning creation—aptly named Cherry Crunch—was so well received it made its way to the school dining room menu. Meanwhile, the whole school came together for a joyful Skip-o-thon, raising funds for Save the Children and Comic Relief, two charities chosen by our student Eco-Group.

Our Active Travel scheme also saw excellent progress. Over 100 travel vouchers were awarded to students who regularly walked, cycled, or used public transport to school, with participation increasing on last year. A new project is also underway to develop an Active Travel Map, supporting new students in making sustainable journey choices.

Building Knowledge Through Eco-Enrichment

This year saw the launch of a new Eco-Enrichment Programme for Years 7 to 10, which tackled climate change and sustainability through a range of interactive activities. Students engaged in team games, watched environmental documentaries, and took part in feedback sessions that challenged them to think critically and practically about climate issues.

Seasonal Eco-Weeks: From Climate to Healthy Living

Two themed Eco-Weeks gave students the chance to explore key sustainability topics in greater depth. Our Autumn Eco-Week focused on climate change, examining fast fashion, air pollution, and the environmental impact of sports. In the Spring, attention turned to healthy lifestyles—aligning with wider school initiatives around nutrition and physical wellbeing.

Outdoor Eco Learning and Real-World Impact

Outdoor, hands-on learning played a big part in this year’s eco activities:

• Year 7 built a bug mansion, assembled bird and bat boxes, and took part in wellbeing sessions in Belmont Woods.

• Year 8 explored QEH’s green spaces and took part in tree trail walks around Brandon Hill.

• Year 9 visited the Bristol Zoo Project for wildlife conservation learning and outdoor sport.

• Year 10 conducted a beach survey for the Marine Conservation Trust at Weston-super-Mare, collecting vital data on coastal health.

These activities not only fostered a love of the natural world but also offered real-world experience in environmental stewardship.

Looking Ahead: A Climate Action Plan for QEH

As we reflect on a successful and inspiring year, we’re excited to introduce the next stage in our sustainability journey: the QEH Climate Action Plan (CAP). This plan will provide a clear framework to guide our environmental efforts over the coming years, focusing on four key areas:

• Decarbonisation – Reducing our carbon footprint across campus.

• Biodiversity – Enriching and protecting the natural environment.

• Green Education and Careers – Preparing students for environmentally focused futures.

• Adaptation and Resilience – Building knowledge and readiness for a changing climate.

These principles are already embedded in our curriculum, enrichment, and wider school life—and will now shape a long-term strategy for further progress.

Thank You and Next Steps

We extend our sincere thanks to every student, staff member and family who contributed to this year’s eco success. Your energy, creativity, and shared commitment to a greener future are what brought this award to life.

With the Eco-Schools Green Flag proudly flying, we look forward to another year of innovation, leadership and environmental action at QEH. Together, we are shaping a more sustainable world—one step, idea and student at a time.