"We are seeing such rapid changes in the natural environment and across society and I have a strong sense of responsibility to ensure we are all well equipped with the understanding and social awareness to take action, ensure Oakwood creates a lasting positive impact and grows our future together."
Clare Bradbury, Headteacher
Growing our future together
In a world increasingly shaped by climate change, biodiversity loss and complex social challenges, Oakwood is preparing our pupils with the knowledge and values they need for the future.
We nurture forward-thinking and consideration of others, providing our staff and pupils with the understanding and skills to address our social and environmental responsibilities and impacts.
Developed in 2022, Growing Our Future Together is Oakwood’s whole-school sustainability strategy. It sets out our commitments through to 2030 and is supported by a detailed action plan.
Our strategy focuses on climate action, protecting our natural environment, supporting and respecting people, embedding sustainability into our learning and building long-term resilience across our operations.
We monitor and share our progress so that staff, pupils and families can see the positive impact we create together.
Our World
Climate Action
We are part of the movement to keep global average temperature increases below 1.5°C and support the UK’s aim to achieve net zero by 2050. Our Climate Action Plan details how we are reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and using our influence to inspire climate action.
We are adapting our buildings and estate to be more resilient to climate impacts such as extreme weather events, fuel availability and cost pressures.
We annually measure our GHG emissions across scopes 1, 2 and 3, with 1,467 tCO2e calculated in 2018/19 as our baseline. This helps us identify priorities for climate-related activities such as travel, purchasing practices, waste management, supplier engagement and nature restoration.
In 2023, we strengthened our commitment to reducing emissions by switching to buying 100% certified renewable electricity.
Protecting Nature
We are privileged to be situated in beautiful natural surroundings and to have the opportunity to protect and restore its rich biodiversity. Our woods and woodland classroom, pond and gardens offer pupils rich opportunities to learn outdoors, deepen their environmental awareness and benefit from the wellbeing advantages of time in nature.
"We must make sure not to harm the natural area around us and to protect it." -Prep-school pupil
Reducing Waste
We monitor all waste streams and follow the principles of circularity. We keep resources in use for as long as possible and have integrated sustainability criteria into our buying decisions to reduce packaging. We invested in additional hot composters for food waste and waste balers for general and recyclable materials. These upgrades enable us to convert paper waste into packaging and horse bedding and turn plastics into reusable pellets.
Our People
We provide our staff and pupils with a culture that promotes diversity, inclusivity and respect. We promote equal opportunities for all and regularly review our recruitment and development processes to ensure accessibility and fairness.
A core priority at Oakwood is to foster a healthy, safe and supportive place for our children to grow, for staff to thrive and for visitors to feel welcome.
With risk assessments and strong safety processes, we create an environment where pupils feel secure and confident to explore and learn.
"Pupils say keeping teachers and school friends healthy and safe is the top people priority, followed by having a voice on global issues." -ISI Inspection Report
Our Communities
Charity and local community engagement are a longstanding part of Oakwood life. Our pupils lead the way with fundraising events and initiatives, recognised through our Charity Champion Awards.
We have strong partnerships with local care homes. Residents join us throughout the school calendar to share activities and enjoy the warm hospitality of our pupils.
"We should help people and never give up." -Prep-school pupil
Our Responsibilities
Sustainability is embedded across our curriculum, providing real-world learning experiences and preparing our pupils for a rapidly evolving workforce.
We adopt sustainable practices across our operations and decision-making. Sustainability is integrated into our school Development Plan and is a permanent feature of Governor, leadership and staff meetings to ensure accountability and strategic focus.
Our staff-led Sustainability Working Group oversee delivery of our Sustainability Action Plan. At pupil level, our Green Team Council meets termly with our Head of Outdoor Learning and Sustainability Lead to drive forward initiatives and ways to support Growing Our Future Together commitments.
Our strategy and action plan continue to evolve as we learn more and innovate to achieve Oakwood’s goals for short- and long-term resilience and sustainability: To grow our future together.
"We have a responsibility for the success of Oakwood now and as custodians of the school for future generations. As Governors, we are proud that Clare and her team have embarked on this ambitious and admirable sustainability journey." -Richard Geffen, Chair of Governors
