Tonbridge School

Tonbridge School’s commitment to environmental sustainability
As a school, we have a central role to play in educating our pupils, staff and parents about the importance of environmental sustainability. We want our school community to have a clear understanding of the current global issues and to embrace the proposed solutions, whilst understanding the technological, political and economic barriers to change. By mobilising our pupils with the requisite knowledge, skills and desire to affect positive change, we also hope that the younger generation will become the creative problem-solvers of the future.  

In addition to our role as educators, we must lead by example and are committed to achieving outstanding environmental performance. In order to fulfil our ambition, we have gone through a process of audit, review and consultation which informs this strategy. We recognise that we need to understand and address our biggest environmental impacts and then effect a strategy to maximise the opportunities for improvement in these and other areas.  

Environmental Sustainability Strategy  
The School’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy, spearheaded by Will Biddle, Head of Sustainability, and the pupil-led Green Committee, is a clear statement of our intent to respond to current environmental issues and global warming and call upon all members of our School community to support us in achieving our aims. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)’s report (Oct 2018) stressed the need for all of us to curb our carbon emissions by at least 49% by 2030 and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.  

We are also passionate about supporting wildlife and encouraging biodiversity on our site and were recently awarded a Bronze Award in the Wilder Kent Awards for our efforts. Recognising the increasing pressures on the planet’s finite resources, we have also established a robust waste management system. We also encourage the repair of products and items rather than disposal and replacement and seek to repurpose discarded materials or products at their end of life.  

As a school, we are determined to be part of the solution towards a more sustainable world, and we feel optimistic about joining the fight to build a better future for us all and our planet. 

Pupil Involvement 
Tonbridge’s weekly Conservation programme, part of Wednesday Afternoon Activities (WAA), offers hands-on learning opportunities. While some boys restore orchards, manage beekeeping projects, and care for pigs on campus, others collaborate with the Kent Wildlife Trust on offsite conservation projects. These activities not only build practical skills but also foster a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship. 

Strategic Partnerships
Strategic partnerships with organisations such as My Carbon, Terracycle, Countrystyle, and Clock House Farm have further amplified the School’s impact. The Eco-Committee’s efforts in energy-saving, recycling, and biodiversity were particularly commended in the Green Flag assessment. These measures have not only reduced waste and energy consumption but also set a powerful example of what can be achieved when young people lead the way in sustainability. 

The Impact
Tonbridge School’s sustainability strategy has made a tangible impact on both the campus and the wider community. Following a comprehensive review of the School environment and curriculum, their initiatives have significantly raised environmental awareness, contributed meaningfully to conservation efforts, and strengthened the School’s commitment to sustainability. 

The impact of these initiatives is visible across the School. Practical steps such as installing LED lighting, expanding recycling facilities, planting over 1,000 trees, and creating wild habitats have directly reduced the School's carbon footprint and enhanced biodiversity. Environmental topics have also been woven into the Geography and Science curricula, with plans to expand this focus to other subjects, ensuring that sustainability becomes a core part of every student’s education. 

Tonbridge’s sustainability strategy has delivered measurable environmental benefits, enriched the curriculum, and empowered students to become advocates for a greener future. Tonbridge is determined to take positive action to tackle the negative effects of carbon emissions and in engaging with the wider aspects of environmental sustainability. We have prioritised ‘Community and Sustainability’ as one of our four pillars of education and are working hard to embed environmental sustainability into our thinking and actions.  

External Accreditation
These efforts have been recognised through three prestigious accolades: the Eco-Schools’ Green Flag with Distinction, the Wilder Kent Award for the School’s Conservation programme, and winning the 2025 Sustainability in Boarding award from the British Boarding Association.  

The Green Flag, an international accreditation, acknowledges exceptional work in promoting sustainability and engaging the community in environmental issues. Meanwhile, the Wilder Kent Award celebrates contributions to creating a wilder, more biodiverse Kent.  

In May 2025, the School’s efforts were recognised by winning the Sustainability in Boarding Award from the British Boarding Association (BSA), recognising the School’s strong dedication to sustainability through various initiatives, including curriculum integration and student leadership. The criteria for the award include the commitment to reducing carbon emissions and embracing broader environmental sustainability practices within the boarding community.