Sustainability

Vision and Commitment

At King Edward VI School, Bury St Edmunds, we are committed to fostering a sustainable and environmentally responsible future for our students, staff, and the wider community. We recognise that sustainability is fundamental to the long-term health of our planet, and as an educational institution, we have a critical role to play in inspiring the next generation to act as conscientious global citizens.

Our sustainability policy aligns with the UK Department for Education’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy, and reflects the ethos of the school as a place where academic excellence, personal development, and social responsibility are at the heart of our mission.

School Ethos and Sustainability

King Edward VI School has a proud tradition of preparing students for life in an ever-changing world. Our core values of Curiosity, Care, Courage and Creativity form the foundation of our approach to education, and we believe these values should guide our approach to sustainability. We aim to embed sustainability in all aspects of school life, both within the curriculum and through extra-curricular activities, while promoting active student participation in environmental and social initiatives.

As a school, we strive to:

• Inspire students to understand the importance of sustainability through a rich curriculum.
• Lead by example by reducing our environmental impact and encouraging the community to follow suit.
• Engage students and staff in activities and projects that contribute to a sustainable future.
• Create a learning environment where sustainability is embedded in daily practices, from energy use to waste management and resource conservation.

Key Objectives

1. Environmental Education
   • To integrate environmental and sustainability education across the curriculum, enabling students to understand the interconnectedness of global systems and the impact of human activities on the environment.
   • To offer students opportunities to engage with environmental issues through projects, clubs, and extracurricular activities such as gardening, recycling, and climate change advocacy.
2. Carbon Reduction
   • To reduce the school’s carbon footprint through energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy sources, and sustainable travel options.
   • To explore and implement strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, such as more efficient heating systems, better insulation, and promoting active travel.
3. Waste and Resource Management
   • To implement a robust waste management system that promotes waste reduction, reuse, and recycling across the school.
   • To encourage staff and students to minimise single-use plastics, adopt sustainable food practices, and promote the reuse of resources such as paper and electronics.
4. Sustainable Procurement
   • To adopt ethical and sustainable procurement policies, ensuring that the goods and services purchased by the school meet high environmental and social standards.
   • To prioritise purchasing products that are eco-friendly, fairly traded, and produced using sustainable practices.
5. Community Engagement and Partnerships
   • To collaborate with local environmental organisations, businesses, and other schools to share knowledge and work together towards a sustainable future.
   • To encourage the wider school community—including parents, alumni, and local residents—to participate in sustainability efforts, such as community clean-ups, tree planting, and sustainability fairs.
6. Monitoring and Review
   • To regularly review and assess the sustainability initiatives in place, ensuring continuous improvement and accountability.
   • To gather feedback from students, staff, and the wider school community to monitor the effectiveness of our sustainability efforts and make necessary adjustments.

Governance and Accountability

The school’s sustainability efforts will be overseen by a Sustainability Committee, comprising staff, student representatives, and members of the governing body. This committee will report to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and ensure that sustainability goals are met and aligned with the school’s overall strategic objectives.

Student Leadership and Engagement

We recognise that students are key agents of change and will encourage them to take a leadership role in promoting sustainability within the school. A range of student-led initiatives will be supported, including environmental clubs, sustainability-focused assemblies, and campaigns designed to raise awareness of climate change and encourage positive action.

Implementation and Communication

The policy will be communicated to all members of the school community, including staff, students, and parents, through the school website, newsletters, and dedicated events. Regular updates on sustainability efforts will be provided, and all stakeholders will be encouraged to contribute ideas and feedback.

Conclusion

By adopting this Sustainability Policy, King Edward VI School reaffirms its commitment to fostering a sustainable future for its students, staff, and the local and global community. Through education, action, and collaboration, we aim to ensure that sustainability is embedded in all areas of school life, preparing students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.