A primary school in Seaham is celebrating after being awarded the prestigious Eco-Schools Green Flag Award with Distinction for 2026 – the highest level of recognition for schools demonstrating exceptional commitment to environmental education and sustainability.
St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School, which is part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, was recognised for the way pupils have “embraced environmental responsibility with genuine enthusiasm”.
From taking part in the Great British Spring Clean and leading environmental initiatives, to championing recycling, biodiversity and active travel, the pupils have become passionate advocates for protecting our common home.
Assessors commented that sustainability is no longer simply something St Cuthbert’s pupils learn about; it is something they actively live out every day.
One of the school’s greatest achievements was increasing the number of children and families travelling to school by active methods by an incredible 34% in just one academic year. This has reduced traffic congestion around the school, improved safety for families and encouraged healthier, more sustainable lifestyles. Assessors described this achievement as “no easy feat” and praised the leadership of the Eco-Committee in making such a significant impact.
The report also commended the school’s investment in staff development, recognising how training in outdoor learning and global citizenship has empowered teachers to deliver a rich curriculum where care for creation is embedded across all subjects. This shared commitment from every member of staff has created a culture where sustainability is not an add-on but an integral part of everyday school life.
Year 5 pupil Ezra Wardell, nine, said: “It’s really important for our school because God gave us our world, so we need to protect it – nature is really important to us.”
Daniel Atkinson, science and eco lead at the school, who led the school’s Eco-Schools journey, said: “Everyone is incredibly proud of our achievements, we have fostered such a positive environmental culture across school that has made us more aware of how important our world is to us, now and in the future.”
Headteacher Nicola Noble said: “The Green Flag with Distinction is a proud achievement for the entire St Cuthbert’s community and reflects the shared commitment of pupils, staff and families to living out our values, caring for others and protecting God’s wonderful world for future generations.
“The award recognises the way our children have embraced environmental responsibility with genuine enthusiasm and is a testament to the dedication of our pupils, the commitment of our staff and the inspirational leadership of Mr Atkinson, who has led the school’s Eco-Schools journey with passion, enthusiasm and determination.
“The internationally recognised Eco-Schools programme encourages young people to take meaningful action to protect the environment, and assessors were full of praise for St Cuthbert’s ambitious whole-school approach. They highlighted how sustainability has been woven throughout the curriculum, enabling pupils to understand their responsibility to care for God’s creation through learning that is firmly rooted in Catholic Social Teaching and our mission to be faithful stewards of the world around us.”
The award is the latest accolade for St Cuthbert’s, which is also a forest school, and has the Rights Respecting Gold award and Live Simply Award.
There are spaces available at St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School. To arrange a visit or for more information, visit www.stcuthbertsprimary.com
For more information about BCCET, visit www.bccet.org.uk
ENDS
Photo captions: St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School has been awarded the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award with Distinction for 2026.
Press release issued by SASS media on behalf of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust. For more information, contact Sarah Dale on 07814 976582.