Better Planets School

Better Planet Schools – Inspiring Young Environmental Changemakers

Better Planet Schools is a dynamic, UK‑wide environmental education programme designed specifically for primary schools. Its mission is simple: equip children and teachers with the knowledge and practical tools they need to reduce environmental impact and take meaningful climate action. 

What the Programme Offers

Schools taking part in Better Planet Schools gain access to a full year of engaging, curriculum‑linked learning materials that help pupils explore key environmental themes, including:

• Energy saving & climate change – pupils discover how to cut carbon emissions through behaviour change and practical energy‑saving actions.
• Plastic reduction & waste – schools learn how to minimise single‑use plastics, boost recycling, and reduce pollution. 
• Nature & biodiversity – children explore wildlife locally and globally, and take action to improve biodiversity in their school grounds.
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Schools select three themed modules per year, each lasting a term (10–12 weeks), allowing depth, continuity, and whole‑school engagement.

How It Works

The programme blends online learning, hands‑on activities, lesson plans, assemblies, and school‑wide challenges. Teachers are supported with ready‑made resources, while pupils can earn Better Planet Schools Crew badges to recognise leadership and progress. Completed module reports also give schools the chance to win prizes, such as class activity packs or energy surveys. [betterplan...ols.org.uk]

Real Impact in Schools

The programme is proven to deliver measurable environmental improvements. In its early pilot, participating schools achieved an average 14% reduction in energy use through pupil‑led behaviour change alone—demonstrating the power of young people when equipped with the right tools and motivation. [betterplan...ols.org.uk]

Today, almost 570 primary schools across the UK are involved, taking action on climate change, waste, fast fashion, biodiversity, and more.

Who Created Better Planet Schools?

Better Planet Schools is a key initiative of Better Planet Education (formerly the Young People’s Trust for the Environment), an educational charity committed to empowering young people to care for the planet. The programme was initially developed with support from Southend‑on‑Sea Borough Council and continues to grow nationwide.

Shed Snakeskin brought in for the endangered species project display 🐍