A primary school has been awarded a highly-regarded international accolade for the first time.

Wellington Lions Primary Academy, based in Tidworth, was awarded an international Green Flag for their hard work in promoting sustainability and raising environmental awareness among their peers.

The Eco-Schools programme, which was founded in 1994, is now active in more than 70 countries worldwide and more than 1.4 million pupils in England attended an Eco-School in the 2023-24 academic year.

Pupils at Wellington Lions Primary Academy followed the Eco-Schools' seven-step framework to create positive change and set up a pupil-led eco-committee that met every week after school.

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The pupils' plan focused on three key issues: biodiversity, litter, and energy (Image: Wellington Lions Primary Academy) The committee took responsibility for leading the school's environmental initiatives throughout the school year and conducted a thorough review of their school environment and curriculum before developing a year-long plan of action.

Their action plan focused on three key issues: biodiversity, litter, and energy.

Activities included making and hanging bird feeders and minibeast homes, planting wildflowers, and promoting reduced energy use.

These activities were deliberately chosen to raise environmental awareness, boost the school's sustainability, and make meaningful contributions to global conservation efforts.

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Staff member Heidi Cadman said: "The children have worked tirelessly throughout the year to promote the work of the committee around our chosen topics and to spread amongst their peers a love for the environment.

"They should be very proud of themselves for helping our school win its first Green Flag award."

Pupil Jasmine Pennie, aged eight, said: "I’ve enjoyed working towards the Green Flag award this year and being in the committee has given me confidence.

"It’s important to care about the environment because we need to keep our planet safe."

Eco-Schools England manager Adam Flint said: "The Eco-Schools’ Green Flag is an international benchmark that demonstrates a commitment to fighting climate change and high standard of sustainable practice.

"Students and staff who earn this award deserve recognition for their dedication towards protecting our planet.

"Every day, they demonstrate that each of us can contribute to making our planet a better, more sustainable place."

To learn more about Eco-Schools, head to eco-schools.org.uk.