Cheney School has been named as one of three finalists in the Sustainable Secondary School of the Year category at the Oxford Climate Awards 2024.

The Oxford school, which was the first to achieve Energy Conscious Organisation status in 2021, has significantly reduced its energy consumption and is now working towards calculating the full carbon footprint of all its activities.

Energy management consultant, Wendy Cheeseman, who has been working with the school, said: "Working with Cheney School over the last decade has been a joy.

"The interest and commitment is palpable as soon as you enter the school.

"It is demonstrated not only by the commitment to resource efficiency through their energy reduction work and latest project for a full carbon footprint, but also by the way they engage and educate pupils to be climate conscious citizens of the future."

The school encourages environmental awareness among pupils through its sixth form climate committee and eco club for Years 7 to 11.

One of the club’s members, Year 11 Laurie Barber, is a finalist for the Youth Climate Action Champion award.

He was nominated by history teacher and sustainability coordinator, Vasy De La Cruz, for his "considerable expertise and positive can-do attitude".

He has committed his breaktimes to school sustainability and has helped the local community with its environmental goals outside school hours.

He has also taken a leading role in creating the eco club’s latest project, Ted the rubbish monster, which symbolises the impact of pollution and other environmental challenges.

Headteacher Rob Pavey said: "As a large and very inclusive comprehensive school, we have lots of students who are very engaged with sustainability and the climate crisis.

"To be nominated for the award is great for the students and staff who are part of the drive to net zero.

"In a school of 1,700 students housed in old buildings, this is no small challenge, but we have already made great progress.

"We have cut our carbon footprint from energy usage by half in the last eight years, and we are about to have a full carbon footprint from all our activities, including getting to and from school, school trips, and procurement.

"The award will give our sustainability committee a boost as we continue to reduce our impact on the planet."

All staff at the school have undergone training to ensure the climate and nature crisis is communicated in a "serious but sensitive manner", taking the needs of pupils into account.

The aim is to "inform, equip, and empower" staff and pupils to look forward to a sustainable future.