Leading the way in school and nursery settings, we can proudly announce The Green Awards Education Winners.
Best for Outdoor Learning (Early Years)
GOLD: Outdoor Owls
Outdoor Owls is revolutionising Early Years education with its innovative approach to outdoor learning. As an Ofsted Outstanding provider and winners of Forest School of the Year 2023, Outdoor Owls champions a “Think outside. No box needed” philosophy, embracing nature as the ultimate classroom. Operating year-round, their forest school nurseries offer activities like tree climbing and risky play, fostering independent, resilient children who are not just school ready, but life ready.
With a commitment to diversity, Outdoor Owls is proud that 30% of its workforce are male educators, breaking industry norms and thriving during the recruitment crisis. Their ethos centers on developing a lifelong love of nature, underpinned by eco-conscious practices. Plastic-free, serving vegan meals, and planting a tree for every child, they teach respect for the environment with a no shaking or breaking rule for natural play.
Outdoor Owls is setting a new standard for outdoor learning, creating happier, healthier, and nature-loving children.
Our judges said:
“Perfect start to education life for any kid.” Erica Loi, Media Consultant
Outdoor Owls is hugely improving the standard in the early years sector from sustainability to diversity.” Victoria Evans, City Kids Editor
Best for Outdoor Learning (Early Years)
JOINT GOLD: Brighton College Prep School
At Brighton College Prep, we believe in balancing the rapidly evolving world of AI with a deep connection to nature. Our Beach School offers pupils from Nursery to Year 8 a unique opportunity to learn outside the classroom, grounding themselves in the beauty and wonder of Brighton Beach.
Just a stone’s throw from the sea, Beach School integrates core subjects with mindful practices, fostering holistic development and a love for the environment. Pupils sharpen their skills in maths, science, and teamwork while engaging in exciting activities like fossil hunting, rockpool exploration, and palaeontology. They also practice yoga, meditation, and environmental conservation through beach cleaning and lessons on marine wildlife.
From creating art with natural treasures to learning water safety and preparing for foraging adventures, Beach School nurtures wellness and curiosity. It’s a hands-on, enriching experience that inspires pupils to connect with the environment and develop a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.
Our judges said:
“Sounds like a wonderful school in a very nice setting.” Erica Loi, Media Consultant
“Outdoor learning is integral to Brighton College Prep and the pupils are so incredibly lucky!” Victoria Evans, City Kids Editor
JOINT GOLD : St Christopher’s Prep
At St Christopher’s Prep, outdoor learning is at the heart of our ethos, starting from the very first day in Reception. Nestled in Hove’s “Secret Garden,” our youngest learners explore nature trails, tend to their own garden, and discover the changing seasons through hands-on activities in outdoor classrooms.
Our Forest School sessions, held in private woodland near the Downs, offer unique opportunities for children to build shelters, light fires, and develop teamwork and adaptability. Every session connects them to nature while fostering resilience through a Growth Mindset approach—celebrating what went well and learning from what didn’t (with plenty of marshmallow toasting along the way!).
A short walk from the beach, our students explore rock pools, cliffs, and the local marine environment while learning about preservation. As proud Eco Schools Green Flag holders, we combine lessons in palaeontology with practical beach cleans and recycling initiatives.
From creating art with found materials to crafting poetry inspired by the forest, our Outdoor Learning programme sparks creativity, curiosity, and a deep respect for the natural world. St Christopher’s Prep is where young minds grow, grounded in the beauty of their surroundings.
Our judges said:
“How lucky to have the seaside so near and make such good use of it!” Erica Loi, Media Consultant
“It’s clear that outdoor learning is a huge part of life at St Christopher’s, with all the fantastic life skills that come with it.” Victoria Evans, City Kids Editor
SILVER: Milbourne Lodge
At Milbourne Lodge, we’ve transformed our campus with a vibrant Outdoor Learning Area, offering students ‘sky time’ instead of ‘screen time.’ Officially opened in September 2023, this once-neglected space is now a sanctuary for exploration, creativity, and community engagement, designed in collaboration with our pupils to give them a sense of ownership.
Built using sustainably sourced sweet chestnut wood and reclaimed materials, the outdoor classroom and Dutch Barn blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings. Additions like a chalkboard, adaptable worktables, and free-standing log seating have made this space a dynamic hub for learning, particularly in Art and IT.
Our pupils have embraced the area, forming a Nature Club, setting rules, and sparking new projects inspired by climate change discussions. Beyond academics, the space has become a community cornerstone, hosting twilight parent sessions and outdoor assemblies.
As we plan for enhancements like solar power and a stream side pontoon, our commitment remains clear: to inspire a lifelong love of the outdoors while fostering sustainability, creativity, and student-driven learning. Milbourne Lodge is creating happier, more engaged students, one innovative step at a time.
Our judges said:
“Seems like you have amazing outdoor space which gets used to the best of your abilities! fantastic!” Erica Loi, Media Consultant
“Children experience and learn first-hand how important nature is for their futures. Can’t wait to see the stream side pontoon!” Victoria Evans, City Kids Editor
Best Student Initiative
GOLD: Downsend School
At Downsend Prep in Leatherhead, UK, the Junior School is leading the way with a pioneering zero-waste snack policy entirely driven by student leadership. This initiative encourages students and parents to eliminate single-use packaging from snacks, fostering environmental responsibility at home and at school.
Using the school’s snack register system, teachers tracked compliance with the policy, and classes achieving a full week of zero-waste snacks earned 15 extra minutes of outdoor playtime—creating a sense of teamwork and community. By May 2024, this initiative achieved remarkable results, including a 20% reduction in general waste and an increase in recycling rates from 21% to 25%.
With 94% of students aware of the initiative and 61% actively participating, the program has sparked lasting changes. Students not only embraced the zero-waste challenge but also inspired their families to adopt more eco-friendly habits, creating a ripple effect beyond the school gates.
This student-driven initiative highlights the power of collective action to create meaningful environmental change and instill a lifelong commitment to sustainability within the Downsend Prep community.
Our judges said:
“Great start to being a more eco school! Keep it up and spread the word!” Erica Loi, Media Consultant
“Fantastic initiative which is seeing real results and which will create lifelong habits for these pupils.” Victoria Evans, City Kids Editor
Best Educational Toy
GOLD: EdX Education
Edx Education’s Green-n-Play Sand Play & Trays Bundle is a versatile, eco-friendly playset designed for kids aged 3 and up, offering endless fun at home, the park, or the beach. Made from high-quality recycled plastic, the set is both durable and stylish, featuring Scandi-inspired pastel colours that appeal to modern families.
The bundle includes four stackable trays, perfect for sensory play with water, sand, paint, or other materials, making it ideal for creative experiments like potion-making or colour mixing. The 48-piece sand play kit offers hours of imaginative fun, complete with moulds, sieves, rakes, and shovels to avoid sibling squabbles. Kids can build intricate sandcastles, create art, and even boost math skills using number and symbol moulds.
Since 1996, Edx Education has been designing educational toys in collaboration with experts, ensuring every product maximises learning potential while being robust enough to last for years of play.
Our judges said:
“Excellent toys for all ages.” Erica Loi, Media Consultant
“These eco-friendly playsets are really first in class. Fun to play with, educational and stylish!” Victoria Evans, City Kids Editor
