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The National College's work on leading sustainable schools

Find out about our programmes, activities and research projects that are helping school leaders to develop sustainable schools.

Every Child’s Future: leading the way

Jonathon Porritt and David Hopkins have written this thinkpiece that challenges school leaders to radical action by embedding sustainability within their schools through a new style of leadership in education.

Sustainability and renewal: findings from the leading sustainable schools research project

A research study conducted by Forum for the Future and the Institute of Education highlighting the characteristics of sustainable schools and the leadership qualities required to develop sustainable schools.

Toolkit for developing sustainable schools

Whether you are new to sustainability or already involved in the process, our toolkit can help you to develop sustainability within your school. Designed in conjunction with school leaders, the toolkit includes a ‘getting started’ booklet, interactive workbooks to help you structure your discussions and action points, case studies and practical tips on how to make your school sustainable.

The toolkit features eight doorways, which are based on the Sustainable Schools National Framework. The doorways cover areas including food and drink, energy and water, travel and traffic and local well-being. Together, the doorways help you to audit your current position and provide ideas to help your school operate in a more sustainable way.

Learn more about the College's toolkit

Sustainable school buildings

In 2008, we published a study on the skills and knowledge needed by school leaders to lead sustainable building projects. Leading sustainable school building projects outlines how school leaders can create schools that have minimal impact on the environment and will remain fit for purpose for years to come. It builds upon our Building Schools for the Future Leadership Programme, which recognises that sustainable schools can only become a reality with sustained and systematic culture change.

Leadership themes

Our 'leadership themes' research project investigated the skills and qualities required by school leaders to develop sustainability. We identified ten key leadership characteristics of sustainable schools, from 'setting the vision' to 'promoting student voice and leadership', and published case studies that highlight each of these characteristics. Our partners in the research project were WWF, the Institute of Education, the University of Reading and Education Direct.

Grant scheme

The National College has awarded grants of £5,000 to 56 leaders of sustainable schools in each of the nine English regions. The grant schools shared their experience and skills to help develop the leadership practices that enable schools to become more sustainable. Our partners in this project were the environmental charities ENCAMS and WWF.