Leading the way in school settings, we can proudly announce The Green Awards 2025 Education Winners.
Best for Outdoor Learning
Gold – Lockers Park School
Silver – St Christopher’s Prep
Bronze – Brighton College Prep
At Lockers Park School, outdoor learning is more than a nice-to-have – it’s at the core of their creative, inclusive curriculum. Set on 23 acres of woodland and parkland, the school offers weekly Forest School sessions from Reception to Year 6, with curriculum subjects like Geography, English and Science brought to life outside.
From river studies to reading Harry Potter in the woods, outdoor learning helps children build confidence, resilience, and a deeper connection to the world around them. Break times in “The Shrubs” offer creative free play, while pupils care for hens as Chicken Monitors, and explore pond life, sensory gardens, and their own allotment. Lockers Park proves that not all classrooms need four walls—and that the muddy memories really do last a lifetime.
Our judges said
“You had me at Chicken Monitors! Lockers Park sounds like a wonderful environment where outdoor learning really is embedded into every aspect of a child’s school journey.” Victoria Evans
“I love your intentional decision to keep your numbers small, to allow your pupils to truly thrive in this inspirational and grounding environment.” Anita Worlidge
At St Christopher’s Prep, outdoor education is more than a lesson – it’s a lifestyle. Every child from Reception to Year 8 takes part in weekly Forest and Beach School sessions, developing confidence, resilience and teamwork through nature-led exploration.
The school’s Secret Garden is being transformed into a new outdoor classroom, and their beach clean programme is expanding to include local state schools. Judges were especially impressed with how the curriculum links nature to literacy, science, art and wellbeing. St Christopher’s proves that the best lessons don’t always happen indoors.
Our judges said
“I love hearing about your daily wins for the children in your care, influenced by their learning surroundings; and that you have plans for your wider community to also benefit from your beautiful space.” Anita Worlidge
“St Christopher’s connects its pupils to world at every step of the school journey, how wonderful!” Victoria Evans
Brighton College Prep makes the most of its seaside location through its Beach School curriculum. From wildlife lessons and RNLI workshops to float-making for Brighton Children’s Parade, every child learns through the natural world.
This year’s recycled hermit crab float was a showstopper, and their litter-picking shakers added rhythm and responsibility to the parade. Judges admired the strong connection between coastal learning and climate awareness.
Our judges said
“What a wonderful environment and ethos for your pupils to start their school years!” Anita Worlidge
“I am continually impressed by Brighton College Prep’s commitment to outdoor learning, making use of the unique local environment and connection with the community.” Victoria Evans
Green School Building
Gold – Notting Hill and Ealing High School
Designed with sustainability at its core, Notting Hill and Ealing High School’s carbon-neutral facility sets a new standard for eco-friendly education environments.
The fully accessible building features 14 classrooms, specialist spaces for music, art, science, computing, and a rooftop-lit library, all created to foster inside/outside learning. Its sustainable wooden frame is complemented by south-facing photovoltaic panels on the saw-tooth roof, maximizing solar energy capture, while north-facing rooflights provide abundant daylight without excess heat gain.
Energy-efficient design elements include a highly insulated, airtight fabric, air source heat pumps, a heat recovery ventilation system, and noise-reducing woodwool insulation. With no gas usage onsite and solar panels already lowering electricity consumption, the school demonstrates true operational sustainability.
Our judges said
“Notting Hill and Ealing High School’s carbon-neutral Junior School is a groundbreaking example of sustainable architecture integrated with education. The school has created an inspiring, truly eco-friendly learning environment that physically embodies the impact of sustainability.” Victoria Evans
“This remarkable environmentally friendly school building and grounds are a perfect example of living the legacy you want to leave – the ripple effects on the students, staff, visitors and environment will have long lasting effects for decades to come. Well done!” Anita Worlidge
Best Early Years Setting
Nestled in South East London, DUCKS Kindergarten and Infant School is proof that you don’t need acres of countryside to bring outdoor education to life. Their on-site Forest School teaches practical skills like fire lighting and wood cutting, alongside a healthy respect for nature.
Their pupil-led Sustainability Leaders group tackles real school issues – from food waste audits to recycling campaigns. Judges loved the balance of hands-on experience and environmental awareness. DUCKS is building confident eco-citizens, one log jump at a time.
Our judges said
“A wonderful opportunity in the heart of London for children to launch their school years more immersed in and conscious of nature and our relationship with it and for it, than they might otherwise have experienced.” Anita Worlidge
“DUCKS truly shines in its commitment to outdoor learning. The staff provide invaluable hands-on experiences, fostering not just academic growth but also crucial life skills and a deep connection to nature in their pupils.” Victoria Evans
