Leading the Way in Sustainability at KES Prep

At KES Prep, we believe that caring for our environment is not just an aspiration but a responsibility we share as a school community. Recently launched, our ambitious four-year Sustainability Plan provides a clear roadmap for meaningful action, and we're proud to be halfway through this transformative journey.

Our Vision in Action

Our approach to sustainability is both practical and comprehensive, focusing on four key pillars that guide everything we do:

• Energy Efficiency and Creation — We're committed to using energy wisely and exploring opportunities to generate our own power, reducing our environmental impact while preparing for a greener future.

• Food Waste Reduction — Through careful monitoring and student-led initiatives, we're actively working to minimise waste in our catering operations and promote responsible consumption.
   
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle  — From transitioning to sustainable printing paper across the school to regular community litter picks, we're embedding circular thinking into daily school life.
   
• Nature Recovery — We're nurturing the biodiversity on our doorstep, creating habitats and green spaces that benefit wildlife and provide rich learning opportunities for our pupils.

Unlocking Our Outdoor Potential

At KES Prep, sustainability isn't a subject we teach — it's a value we live.

Under the leadership of our Head of Outdoor Learning, Mr Caie, we're transforming our extensive outdoor areas into living classrooms where sustainability becomes something children experience, not just study. Working in partnership with respected environmental organisations including The Woodland Trust and the Campaign to Protect Rural England, we've planted new hedgerows that connect existing woodland areas, creating vital corridors for wildlife whilst enriching our natural landscape.

Our flourishing school orchard, developed with support from The Tree Council, provides hands-on learning about food production, seasonal cycles and the importance of native tree species. These outdoor spaces aren't simply maintained — they're actively integrated into our curriculum, giving pupils the opportunity to develop a genuine understanding of environmental stewardship.

Pupil Voice at the Heart of Change

Sustainability isn't something done to our pupils — it's something they actively shape. Our dedicated pupil voice group for sustainability plays a crucial role in driving change, particularly through their collaboration with the school's catering department. Together, they monitor food waste, identify opportunities for improvement and help implement practical solutions that make a real difference.

This student-led approach ensures that environmental responsibility becomes second nature, empowering young people to be advocates for change both within school and beyond.

Everyday Actions, Lasting Impact

Sustainability at KES Prep is woven into the fabric of school life. Our regular litter picks keep our grounds beautiful whilst teaching respect for shared spaces. The switch to more sustainable printing paper across all departments demonstrates how thoughtful procurement decisions can reduce our environmental footprint without compromising on quality.

Looking Ahead

As we move into the second half of our Sustainability Plan, we remain committed to listening, learning and leading. Every member of our school community — from our youngest pupils to our staff and families — has a role to play in creating a more sustainable future. Together, we're proving that even small actions, when multiplied across a community, can create meaningful and lasting change.