The Schools Sustainability Showcase, formerly known as the Eco Awards and now in its fifteenth year, was held at the Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) Peterborough campus on Thursday 21 May 2026.
Organised by PECT, the Peterborough-based environment charity behind Climate Education, and sponsored by M Group, 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 investigating microplastics with RECOUP, to designing wildlife-friendly habitats with Froglife, to identifying sustainability features across campus with ARU’s Eco Detectives, and exploring environmental impact through artefacts with Digging History UK. 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.
2026 Award Winners
ARU Peterborough Award For Sustainability
The Beeches Primary
M Group Sustainable Award
St Augustine’s CofE Juniors
Student Choice Award
Highlees Primary
Eco Factor Award
Northborough Primary
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:
“Every year, the Showcase reminds us just how much passion, creativity and leadership exists in our schools. Students are not only learning about sustainability, they are actively shaping solutions and inspiring those around them.
“It’s a privilege to celebrate their achievements and to see the confidence they gain from sharing their work. We hope they leave feeling proud of what they have accomplished and motivated to keep making a difference in their schools and communities.”
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 2027: Thursday 20 May. Keep an eye on our newsletter for registration opening.
