From eco-councils to school farms and global conservation projects, schools across the UK are championing sustainability and sparking students’ interest in green careers along the way.

How are UK schools leading sustainability efforts?

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a real opportunity to shape how young people think, learn, and plan for the future.
Across the country, schools are embedding environmental action into everyday learning, helping students develop a sense of responsibility and a passion for green innovation.

Here are just a few inspiring examples.

The Writhlington Orchid Project: 30 Years of Student-Led Conservation

At Writhlington School, students are the driving force behind a remarkable orchid cultivation and conservation initiative.

What makes it unique?

• Students propagate rare orchids from seed
• They manage a full climate-zoned greenhouse
• They participate in research and global expeditions
• They present findings at science shows and exhibitions

The project has taken students to biodiversity hotspots like Rwanda and Laos, offering once-in-a-lifetime learning and scientific collaboration.

“School students can effectively teach and inspire adults working to make a difference in education, conservation, or just growing better plants.”

– Simon Pugh-Jones MBE

Eco-Councils and Student Voice: Sustainability at All Hallows Catholic College

At All Hallows Catholic College in Macclesfield, students lead their Eco-Council, taking real ownership of the sustainability strategy.

Their work includes:

• Tackling single-use plastics and litter
• Working with local schools on green initiatives
• Exploring improvements to the wider community

It’s a powerful model of student-led action, combining environmental awareness with collaboration and leadership development.

Reddish Vale High School: Learning Through a School Farm

With access to a working school farm, students at Reddish Vale High School explore food sustainability through a “field to fork” lens.

The school’s Farm Club supports:

• Learning about food production and land management
• Practical experiences that link to science, geography, and business
• Responsible attitudes toward environmental stewardship

“Young people need to be fully aware of the world around them. School farms link to many subjects and enhance learning across the board.”

What’s the future of green careers for students?

Sustainability isn’t just a school focus; it’s one of the fastest-growing sectors globally.
Students inspired by eco-initiatives today will be tomorrow’s environmental engineers, renewable energy specialists, sustainability consultants, and more.

Why green careers matter:

• The UK has committed to Net Zero by 2050
• Demand for green skills is growing across all industries
• Careers in sustainability are often cross-sector and future-proof

“The opportunities will be diverse, and many people will be able to switch between roles and sectors as they build their skills.”

Green Energy Careers with EY-Parthenon

We spoke with Charlie Simpson, Partner at EY-Parthenon, about the urgent need to recruit young talent into the green energy sector.

“To meet Net Zero targets, we need to build a workforce ready to take on the climate challenge, and that starts with education.”

How can schools support sustainability-focused career pathways?

Sustainability is more than a subject; it’s a career pathway.
Work experience placements, employer talks, and project-based learning all help students:

• Connect school-based eco-initiatives with real-world job roles
• Understand how green skills apply in sectors like engineering, energy, agriculture, and tech
• Gain early exposure to the careers that will shape tomorrow’s economy

At The Changing Education Group, we help schools embed green career pathways into their work experience offer, with placements, resources, and employer engagement aligned to future workforce needs.

Ready to Equip Your Students for a Sustainable Future?

At The Changing Education Group, we’re proud to support schools delivering sustainability education and connecting it to meaningful future pathways.

We help schools:

• Deliver green career-aligned work experience
• Engage employers in the sustainability sector
• Inspire students with real-world learning and role models

Email us at info@changingeducation.co.uk
Call: 0800 028 9088
Or explore www.changingeducation.co.uk

Let’s empower students to build a greener, brighter future, one placement at a time.

FAQs

1. How can schools connect sustainability with careers?
By linking eco-projects with real industries, and offering placements or employer talks from sectors like energy, construction, and conservation.

2. What types of green careers are available to students?
Roles in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, environmental science, urban planning, and more.

3. How can we provide green work experience opportunities?
We help schools source and manage sustainability-focused placements through our Work Experience Suite.

4. Are there resources to help students explore these paths?
Yes, we offer digital tools, career libraries, and employer engagement to support student exploration.

5. Can students without STEM strengths still access green careers?
The green economy includes roles in policy, education, law, design, marketing, and community engagement.