The Schools Sustainability Showcase, formerly known as the Eco Awards and now in its fourteenth year, was held at the Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) Peterborough campus on Thursday 22 May 2025.
Organised by PECT, the Peterborough-based environment charity behind Climate Education, and sponsored by M Group, the event was attended by over 100 staff and students from 11 schools.
The Showcase was a chance for the schools, including Climate Education members, to show off their outstanding environmental work, sharing inspiration with workshop leaders and ‘eco experts’ from like-minded schools.
A morning of workshops
Students spent the morning getting hands-on with a range of sustainability workshops: from conducting biodiversity surveys with the National Education Nature Park programme to planning sustainable communities with M Group. Students also learned about eggs with The Happy Chick Company, water audits with Anglian Water, carbon footprints with Change Agents UK, and air pollution with South Cambridgeshire District Council.
There was plenty to inspire everyone to take climate action and make behaviour changes at home and school.
Eco-Experts’ Showcase
In the afternoon, attention turned to the student projects, with VIP guests and workshop leaders learning from the schools showcasing their displays and confidently presenting their hard work.
It was a delight to see student-led presentations from Climate Education members who are delivering on their Climate Action Plans.
2025 Award Winners
PECT Sustainable School of the Year Award
Northborough Primary
PECT were impressed by the embedded ethos to sustainability and climate action across the whole school community.
ARU Peterborough Award For Sustainability
Highlees Primary
ARU Peterborough’s judge was wowed by the blending of sustainability and well-being in the creation of a school polytunnel garden.
M Group Sustainable Award
Heltwate School
Principal event sponsor M Group loved pupils’ drive and enthusiasm for sustainably minded activities within the school’s green spaces.
Student Choice Award
The Beeches Primary
Students were impressed by a no-dig garden, which was created to grow food and provide an important habitat for a range of invertebrates.
Eco Factor Award
St Augustine’s CofE Primary
Showcase guests were inspired by two years’ work, knowledge and commitment in reviving the school pond – a vital habitat and haven for a wide variety of wildlife.
Eco Ambassador of the Year
Jake Hill
Stukeley Meadows Primary
Jake’s teachers nominated him for his initiative in cleaning a local stream and his work inspiring others to make changes needed for a better planet.
Our thanks
The team at PECT would like to extend their thanks to everyone who helped to make the event happen, including M Group and their partners for their continued support and sponsorship, the Co-op for generously donating fresh fruit, and ARU Peterborough for hosting.
A few words from Heidi Latronico-Ferris, PECT Environmental Education Lead:
“Pupils and staff have been doing amazing work to protect and improve the environment as part of their climate action plans, and it was a privilege to celebrate their achievements. Everybody went away feeling inspired.”
Save the date
The Schools Sustainability Showcase is open to any school interested in student-led climate action projects, whether you just want to get inspiration from other schools, or display your work and compete for one of our awards.
If you couldn’t attend this year’s event, make sure you save the date for 2026: Thursday 21 May. Keep an eye on our newsletter for registration opening.
