Pupils at Neatishead Church of England Primary School are turning their concern for the environment into practical action, with a growing list of achievements that is putting their work on the map locally and beyond.
At the heart of the school’s work is a clear sense of purpose, rooted in the words:
“They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31).
This message shapes how sustainability is understood across the school. It is not treated as a separate initiative, but as part of daily life, reflected in teaching, collective worship and pupil leadership.
Over the past two years, this approach has led to a series of notable successes. The school has achieved a Distinction in the Eco Schools Green Flag Award, pupils have taken part in Mini-COP events, and they have won a regional sustainability competition run by East Coast College.
Their work has also been recognised beyond education. Pupils received an Eco Advocate Award from Anglian Water and have contributed to a national campaign with Surfers Against Sewage, showing how their work connects with wider environmental action.
What makes this work stand out is the role of the pupils themselves. Children are not simply taking part in activities designed by staff. They are leading projects, speaking up about environmental issues and encouraging change within their own community.
This has included organising litter picks, raising funds for WWF, and sharing what they have learned with their families. In doing so, pupils are developing confidence alongside a strong sense of responsibility for the world around them.
The school’s most recent success came at the Norwich Science Festival, where pupils won the Mini COP26 “Your School Reimagined” competition. Their proposal is now being developed further with energy company RWE, giving them a direct link to real-world decision making.
Staff say these opportunities help pupils to see that their ideas matter. By engaging with real challenges, they begin to understand how they can influence the future, both locally and globally.
The school’s work is also aligned with the Church of England’s commitment to environmental responsibility, including the national aim of reaching net zero carbon.
At Neatishead, the focus is not only on environmental outcomes, but on the development of the whole child. Through this work, pupils are encouraged to think carefully, act responsibly and approach the future with confidence.
As their projects continue to grow, the school is building a culture where sustainability is part of everyday life – and where young people are given the opportunity to lead.
Mrs Victoria Morton, teacher, said; “When I started our Eco-Committee in 2023, I never imagined the impact it would have on our school and wider community. What began with just seven pupils who shared my love of nature and commitment to caring for God’s creation has grown into a school-wide commitment to sustainability, proving that when children are given a voice, they can inspire real change. They remind me every day that they aren’t just inheriting our planet; they’re already leading the way in protecting it and inspiring others to do the same.”
