Sustainability at The Discovery School

Sustainability and Climate Action at The Discovery School

At The Discovery School, we recognise that preparing young people for the future means more than delivering a strong academic education—it also means helping them understand their place in a changing world and empowering them to take meaningful action. Our aim is to equip all pupils with the knowledge, values, and skills they need to contribute positively to a sustainable and responsible future.

We take our responsibilities in achieving these aims seriously. As such, we have established a Climate and Sustainability Action Team to lead, coordinate, and monitor our work in this area.

The team includes:

• senior leaders, ensuring sustainability is embedded in strategic decision-making

• teaching and support staff, representing different areas of school life

• pupil representatives, giving children a meaningful voice in shaping our actions

• governors, providing oversight and accountability

• links to local partners, strengthening community collaboration

In order to achieve our aims, we have developed a meaningful and achievable Climate and Sustainability Action Plan. This ensures our aims are supported by clear priorities, practical actions, and measurable outcomes.

Our Sustainability and Climate Plan sets out our commitment to creating an environmentally responsible school community, guided by national priorities, local needs, and the voices of our children.

The plan outlines how we intend to reduce our environmental impact and carbon footprint, strengthen climate education across the curriculum, and ensure our school environment supports healthy, sustainable living. This includes practical steps such as improving energy efficiency, reducing waste, promoting sustainable travel, and increasing biodiversity in our grounds.

The Climate and Sustainability Action Team meets regularly to review progress, identify priorities, and drive continuous improvement. Through this structured and inclusive approach, we ensure that our commitment to sustainability is translated into purposeful action across the school.

Equally important is our focus on developing pupils’ knowledge, skills, and confidence to engage with global climate challenges. Through lessons, enrichment opportunities, and pupil-led initiatives, we aim to nurture environmentally conscious individuals who can contribute positively to society.

We understand that meaningful climate action is a shared responsibility. Our approach is therefore built on collaboration—working closely with staff, pupils, families, and local partners to shape and deliver our goals. By embedding sustainability into everyday school life, we hope to lead by example and inspire long-term, positive change, both within our community and beyond.

Our Climate and Sustainability Plan is not just a statement of intent; it is a commitment to continuous improvement and collective action, ensuring our school plays its part in creating a greener, fairer future for all.

Sustainability Team Members

Our Sustainability Team is made up of the following members of the school community: 

• Mrs Annabel Cornall – Chair of Governors chairofgovernors@discovery.kent.sch.uk 

• Miss Tina Gobell – Headteacher headteacher@discovery.kent.sch.uk 

• Mrs Kate Chapman – Eco-School Lead kchapman@discovery.kent.sch.uk 

• Mrs Angela Alexander – School Business Manager aalexander@discovery.kent.sch.uk 

Links to the local community

Additionally, Mr Nigel Hartnup, Managing Director for Renewable Energy Generation, Kings Hill, voluntarily acts as the school’s Sustainability and Climate Advisor to the Governing Board.

The Discovery School Climate and Sustainability Plan 

The Discovery School Carbon Reduction Action Plan

Children's Eco Action Plan

Our Eco Council and Forest School

To find out more about or Eco Council and Forest school, please click on the links below to see what the children have been up to in their mission to be sustainable! 

The Discovery School Eco Council 

Forest School at The Discovery School 

Further links to learning about sustainability and climate change