St Nicholas C of E Primary School in Wantage has secured the highest accolade in a national environmental education programme.
The institution was honoured with the Gold Green Tree Schools Award by the Woodland Trust, acknowledging its dedication to environmental learning and outdoor education.
The school previously attained both Bronze and Silver distinctions before reaching this milestone. The achievement underscores pupil participation in practical environmental work and nature-focused activities.
Michelle Rooke, headteacher at St Nicholas C of E Primary School, said the school was tremendously proud to have received the Gold Green Tree Schools Award. She noted that the honour demonstrated pupils’ eagerness and dedication, who have seized every opportunity to study outdoors and protect the natural world. She added that the children’s love of nature, conservation and outdoor learning had been wonderful to witness. With guidance from their committed Forest School Lead, they had fostered genuine responsibility for their surroundings and contributed to a greener environment for the entire school community.
The Woodland Trust’s programme encourages schools to involve pupils in discovering trees, woodlands and wildlife through practical projects that serve both the school and the broader environment.
At St Nicholas, pupils have engaged in nature exploration, conservation efforts and creative environmental assignments as part of their studies. The school’s Forest School Lead has directed these activities, enabling pupils to develop stronger awareness of the natural world and why it matters.
The achievement aligns with the school’s guiding principle: ‘Together we love, learn and flourish.’
Richard Evans, CEO of Cambrian Learning Trust, stated this was an outstanding accomplishment for St Nicholas and an excellent illustration of how schools can motivate children to look after their environment. He explained that Cambrian Learning Trust prioritises encouraging development and stimulating thinking, and such initiatives bring their principles of kindness, aspiration, honesty and togetherness into practice. He noted that observing pupils cultivate such meaningful bonds with nature while acquiring skills that will serve them throughout their lives was encouraging.
The Green Tree Schools Award operates nationwide, assisting schools in providing outdoor learning experiences while promoting environmental awareness and enhancing school grounds. The initiative seeks to build ecological consciousness, enhance green areas and boost pupil confidence through practical, nature-focused activities.
St Nicholas C of E Primary School operates under Cambrian Learning Trust, an exempt charitable organisation and company limited by guarantee, registered in England under company number 7977368.