Sustainability

Chesham Prep’s commitment to sustainability is multi-faceted and interwoven throughout all aspects of the school’s operations and curriculum; sustainability is integrated into Science, Geography and PSHE lessons as well as providing the foundation for extra-curricular clubs e.g. Eco-Warriors, Gardening and Bird Watching.

Our unique open spaces enable Outdoor Learning in one of 4 areas: Forest School; Grow Zone – where pupils grow vegetables for use in the School Kitchens; Dragonfly Pond and Adlington Avenue. The pond is home to a variety of mini beasts and amphibians, whilst summer-long wildflowers attract a diverse range of invertebrates and birds.

Pupils also engage in understanding sustainability and how they can make a positive impact through participation in the pupil Eco Committee and Eco-Prefects work with staff and the PTA to raise awareness of sustainability throughout the school.

Notable sustainability initiatives include:

  • Introduction of sustainable electricity sources: solar panels and LED lighting
  • Reduction in paper usage and elimination, wherever possible, of single use plastic
  • Elimination of single use plastic water bottles and cups; re-usable water bottles are used on every trip
  • Recycling of old sports equipment, batteries and printer toners
  • Repurposing of second-hand books, clothes, costumes through donations
  • Catering changes include the sustainable sourcing of produce, raising awareness of unnecessary food waste and conversion of any remaining food waste into electricity
  • Making a difference to the wider local community through annual litter picking days
  • Provision of 6 school minibuses covering a 12 mile radius to encourage less traffic/cars on the road

Our dedication to year on year improvements resulted in being awarded the highly sought after “Green Flag with Distinction” in July 2025 by the Eco-Schools programme. It recognises the outstanding ongoing pupil-led initiatives dedicated to improving the local community through environmental and sustainability action.

“To have achieved this award, and with Distinction, reflects how you have exceeded the Eco-School’s seven steps and shown true commitment to improving our community’s local environment.” Sarah Green MP – Member of Parliament for Chesham and Amersham constituency