Introduction

At Woodstock CE Primary School, we are committed to playing our part in tackling climate change and building a more sustainable future. As educators, we believe in leading by example and teaching our pupils to care for the world around them. From reducing our carbon footprint to making our buildings more energy-efficient, sustainability is embedded in both our operations and values.

Sustainability is also a key focus for both our Pupil Parliament and Governing Body, who are actively helping to shape and drive forward our school’s environmental efforts.

We embed sustainability and climate education throughout the curriculum, helping children understand their impact on the planet and empowering them to make a difference.

We are proud to have a dedicated Eco Committee of pupils, working alongside staff to lead environmental initiatives across the school.

Why We Are Taking Action

The climate crisis affects everyone — and schools have a responsibility to take action. By making sustainable choices now, we aim to:

• Reduce our environmental impact

• Lower energy costs

• Create a healthier learning environment

• Educate pupils about sustainability through real-life action

• Support Oxfordshire’s wider net zero targets

You can view our developing Climate Impact Plan, which sets out our strategic approach below

What We’ve Done So Far

Over the last few years, we’ve made significant investments to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions across the school site:

• LED lighting and smart controls: We’ve spent over £10,000 installing LED lights with motion sensors and timers across the school, reducing unnecessary electricity use.

• Pipe insulation: Our heating pipework has been fully insulated to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.

• Thermal imaging surveys: We worked with the Low Carbon Hub to carry out heat scans of the building, identifying areas for improvement.

• Improved energy performance: Our main school building currently has a DEC (Display Energy Certificate) rating of C. A DEC shows the actual energy use of a public building and helps identify ways to improve energy efficiency.
  View our certificate

School Expansion 2024 – Building for the Future

In 2024, we expanded our school with a brand-new classroom block that reflects our commitment to sustainability:

• Fully electric (no gas connection)

• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating: A, the highest possible rating

• Designed to minimise energy use and maximise efficiency
  View the EPC

Solar Panels – Clean Energy on Site

To further reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, we have installed 191 solar PV panels on our school roof.

• Funded through a £70,000 loan from Oxfordshire County Council

• The system generates clean electricity on-site, lowering our carbon footprint and saving on energy bills.

• The solar panels help us make practical progress towards net zero.

Pupil Voice and Food Waste

Our Pupil Parliament plays an active role in leading sustainability initiatives and raising awareness across the school community. Most recently, pupils met with our school kitchen team to:

• Discuss how to reduce food waste

• Explore options for linking surplus food with local farms

• Suggest ways to encourage less waste and more responsible food choices

We believe involving pupils in these decisions empowers them to become environmentally responsible citizens.

Looking Ahead

Sustainability is an ongoing journey. We will continue to:

• Implement our Climate Impact Plan

• Reduce energy consumption across the site

• Integrate environmental education into the curriculum

• Involve pupils in eco projects, audits, and energy monitoring

• Work with local partners to reduce emissions and waste

• Celebrate and build on our Eco-Schools Green Flag Award

• Make sustainability a standing item on the Governors’ agenda

Together, we can make a lasting difference for future generations.