Queen Elizabeth’s School in Barnet has been awarded the Eco-Schools Green Flag: Distinction, recognising the school’s commitment to environmental education and practical sustainability projects.
Allotment becomes a hands-on classroom
At the heart of the school’s submission is a school allotment that pupils use as a living classroom. The plot has been used to teach community growing, biodiversity, organic food production and the impacts of plastic pollution. Pupils and staff say the space supports outdoor learning while connecting classroom theory with practical action in the local area.
Accolades and support
The Green Flag award recognises completion of the Eco-Schools Seven Steps framework, an international programme that encourages young people to lead environmental initiatives. Queen Elizabeth’s School also progressed from level one to level two in the Royal Horticultural Society’s School Gardening Awards and was presented with a £50 National Garden gift voucher to help further develop the allotment.
| Recognition | What the school received |
|---|---|
| Eco-Schools Green Flag: Distinction | Green Flag, plaque, award certificates, seed card |
| RHS School Gardening Awards | Progression from level one to level two |
| National Garden gift voucher | £50 to support allotment development |
Staff and pupils driving the project
Teachers who have played key roles include maths teacher and allotment coordinator Nadeem Kydd and biology teachers Gillian Ridge and Dr Sam. The article from which this report draws attention credits their enthusiasm and ongoing commitment to developing the allotment project and inspiring pupils to act as environmental stewards.
- Project topics include biodiversity, organic growing and plastic pollution.
- The Green Flag reflects successful pupil-led activity under the Eco-Schools Seven Steps.
- Practical resources such as the allotment and voucher will support further outdoor learning.
This recognition places Queen Elizabeth’s School among local state schools emphasising sustainability in the curriculum and offering pupils practical skills in gardening and environmental awareness. Families and local groups interested in supporting or learning more about the school’s green programme should contact the school directly for information on volunteering and community links.
— Sophie Cole, Barnet Community Correspondent, InfoRadar
