Cockburn recognises that it has a responsibility to the environment. Action on all parts of this policy is the responsibility of all staff and students.
PAPER
we will minimise the use of paper in all school offices
we will seek to buy recycled and recyclable paper products
all classrooms will be supplied with a paper recycling bin
we will recycle as much as we can.
WATER & ENERGY
we will seek to reduce the amount of energy that we use
all parts of the new school will have lighting sensors
all parts of the new school will have thermostatically controlled heating
computers, copiers, ICT equipment will be turned off – at the mains – when not in use
we have solar panels across the school site roofing.
we have EV car chargers in front and back car parks
 MAINTENANCE & CLEANING
cleaning materials in school will be as environmentally friendly as possible.
 GETTING TO SCHOOL
we will promote the use of environmentally friendly forms of transport by staff and students
car parking spaces will be restricted to encourage use of car share/public transport
storage facilities will be provided for bicycles.
 KITCHENS
as much waste food as possible will be recycled for composting on the school allotment.
 MONITORING & IMPROVEMENT
we will monitor our energy consumption for improved environmental performance
we will monitor our use of paper and educational supplies to ensure a steady reduction in consumption.
 
ECO-COUNCIL
Cockburn School Eco Council aims to promote environment awareness, develop sustainable practices and lead eco-friendly projects within the school. Their roles include reducing waste, conserving energy and water, improving biodiversity, and encouraging recycling through initiatives like awareness campaigns, assemblies, and setting a good example for peers.
The Eco Council have supported the school to become a more environmentally friendly environment by running initiatives such as:
‘Switch off’ campaign - which acts as is a friendly reminder to everyone in the school building to switch off electrical items when not in use.
Litter monitors - to encourage all students and staff to recycle their waste.
Reduced food portions – to help reduce food waste at break and lunchtimes.
This year, the School Council are also working on a project with ‘Living Streets’ who are a UK charity who support everyday walking. The aim of the project is to promote the benefits of walking and encourage more children to walk to school.
The School Council will run a ‘Next Steps’ Challenge where the aim is to increase the number of students in Year 7 choosing to walk to school over other methods of transport. The plan is to then roll out this challenge to the wider school.
As part of this work, the School Council will undertake a School Route Audit with Living Streets charity, which is supported by Leeds City Council. work will support the promotion of the safest routes for children to walk to school.
SCHOOL COUNCIL
In 2025/26, the School Council are also worked on a project with ‘Living Streets’ who are a UK charity who support everyday walking. The aim of the project was to promote the benefits of walking and encourage more children to walk to school.
The School Council ran a ‘Next Steps’ Challenge where the aim was to increase the number of students in Year 7 choosing to walk to school over other methods of transport. The initiative was a success as many Year 7 students engaged with and completed the challenge.
As part of the work, the School Council also undertook a School Route Audit with Living Streets charity, which was supported by Leeds City Council. A report from this work was published to the school and to Leeds City Council to make recommendations for improvements to roads and streets around the school which would help increase the number of students opting to walk to school more frequently.
For 2026-27, the School Council will undertake work with a national initiative 'Bite Back'. Bite Back in Schools is a fully funded programme that empowers students in Years 7–10 in England to lead positive change in their school food environment.
