The Grammar School at Leeds named Eco-School of the Year

The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) has been named one of five schools nationwide to receive the prestigious Eco-Schools School of the Year Award for 2024. This accolade celebrates GSAL’s outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability and its efforts to involve students and staff in creating a greener future.

At the heart of GSAL’s success is Smeaton’s Wood, formerly unused land that was transformed into a flourishing woodland. With the dedication of the school’s Eco-Committee and the help of over 400 students, an incredible 10,000 trees were planted. The woodland now serves as a vital carbon store, supporting local biodiversity and inspiring future generations to embrace sustainability.

This transformative project was complemented by several other impactful initiatives. GSAL students established a school allotment, harvesting enough potatoes to supply their refectory for two days, and delivered a successful anti-idling campaign in the school car park to improve air quality. In addition, measures to reduce paper usage were introduced, and the school invested in renewable energy solutions, including solar panels and energy-saving technologies.

Tim Street, GSAL’s environmental sustainability lead and head of computer science, expressed his pride in the school’s achievements: “This award is a testament to the passion and commitment of our students in tackling environmental challenges. By creating Smeaton’s Wood and embracing sustainable practices across the school, we’ve shown that collective action can lead to significant and lasting change.”

Sue Woodroofe, Principal at GSAL, praised the efforts of the school community: “At GSAL, we are committed to fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. I am incredibly proud of our students and staff for their innovative projects and the lasting impact they have made. Being named an Eco-School of the Year is a fantastic achievement and reflects our collective determination to create a better, more sustainable world for future generations.”

The Eco-Schools programme empowers young people to take action on environmental issues. GSAL’s recognition highlights the importance of engaging the next generation in driving meaningful change and creating a more sustainable future.