Sustainability
Small actions. Big change.
At Duke of Kent School, caring for the planet isn't just something we teach. It's something we do, every day.
From increasing biodiversity in our beautiful Surrey Hills grounds to reducing waste in classrooms, sustainability is woven into school life. Our pupils are encouraged to question, take action and discover how even the smallest changes can make a difference.
Sustainability at a Glance
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45% reduction in our estimated carbon footprint between June 2025 and June 2026.
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Eco-Schools Green Flag with Distinction for two consecutive years.
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Surrey County Council award recognising our Eco-Schools work.
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100% renewable electricity from green energy sources.
Learning to care for our world
Our woodland, gardens and outdoor spaces provide a living classroom where pupils explore biodiversity, understand ecosystems and develop a lasting connection with nature.
Through the National Education Nature Park programme, pupils help map and protect habitats across our grounds. They've built hedgehog houses in Design Technology, installed bug hotels and bird feeders, and taken part in projects to encourage wildlife.
We've introduced sustainable drainage improvements and expanded opportunities for outdoor learning, including in The Burrow (our Outdoor Learning classroom).
Environmental education extends into the classroom too, where pupils explore everything from climate change and ocean conservation to the environmental impact of technology. We're proud to be one of only 500 RHS Plants for Wellbeing Schools, introducing plants into classrooms and everyday routines as part of our holistic approach.
Everyone has a part to play
Our pupil Sustainability Committee brings together Prep and Senior pupils to share ideas, review progress and help shape the school's environmental priorities.
A highlight was our first Duke of Kent School ACES (Annual Children's Eco Summit), celebrating World Oceans Day. Pupils were inspired by renowned conservationist Ian Redmond OBE, investigated ocean acidification, explored endangered species and created artwork from recycled materials.
Beyond the classroom, our active Green Duke parent group works alongside staff and pupils to support initiatives such as second-hand book sales, clothing swaps and community litter picks.
Together, we're creating a culture where everyone feels they can make a difference.
Small changes that add up
Sometimes, making a difference starts with something as simple as switching off a light.
Across Duke of Kent, we're reducing our environmental impact through practical, everyday changes. We source all our electricity from renewable energy, prioritise refurbished IT equipment wherever possible, and have introduced power-down routines and a print release system to reduce unnecessary printing.
We've also banned microplastic glitter, reduced meat consumption in our kitchen and encouraged pupils to embrace simple habits such as switching off lights, closing doors and recycling more carefully.
Small actions that, together, are helping to create lasting change.
Looking after tomorrow, today
Our sustainability journey is far from finished.
Guided by our Climate Action Plan, we're exploring greener travel through a walking bus, improving air quality through a planned no-idling initiative and investigating new opportunities for renewable energy, including a proposed solar-panel canopy for an outdoor learning space.
We're also looking at ways to expand outdoor learning, reduce food waste and strengthen partnerships with local schools and the Surrey Wildlife Trust.