Helping you prosper
All academy schools are now expected to have a Climate Action Plan in place as part of the Department for Education’s sustainability strategy. Many settings want to do the right thing but aren’t sure where to begin, what’s required or how to turn ambition into practical action.
Our session focused on giving schools a simple, achievable starting point, supported by free external expertise from the Climate Ambassadors programme.
Why this matters now
Climate Action Plans are becoming a core part of how schools demonstrate resilience, responsible stewardship and long‑term planning. Getting started early can help you:
- Understand your environmental impact and where to focus effort
- Prioritise actions that support cost savings and wider operational decisions
- Meet expectations from governors, parents and the DfE
- Access support through established programmes like Climate Ambassadors
- Build a plan that fits your setting, rather than reacting in a rush later
The aim isn’t to do everything at once but to take clear first steps, backed by a structure that schools can build on over time.
What we covered
During the session, Harriet Hodgson‑Grove (Audit Partner & Head of Sustainable Business Services, UHY London) and Jane Dickson (Partnerships Manager, Climate Ambassadors) walked through:
- What a Climate Action Plan is and why it matters for every academy
- The first practical steps schools can take to get started confidently
- How the free Climate Ambassadors programme can support your setting
- What baseline assessments involve and the data you’ll need
- Examples from schools already making progress
The session was designed to give schools a clear, simple entry point, without adding unnecessary workload.
Who should watch the recording
The recording is ideal for:
- School business leaders
- Finance teams
- Sustainability leads
- Governors
- Anyone supporting or shaping your academy’s sustainability or resilience plans
It’s also a helpful introduction for staff who weren’t able to attend the live session but need to understand the basics.
Catch up on the webinar
If you missed the live event or want to revisit the discussion, the full recording is now available. It offers straightforward, practical guidance to help your school take its first steps with confidence.
