Sir David Attenborough congratulates Dunsford Community Academy on Eco-Schools Green Flag triumph

Dunsford Community Academy has been awarded the prestigious Eco-Schools Green Flag with Distinction, recognising the school’s outstanding commitment to environmental education and sustainability. The accolade, run by the charity Keep Britain Tidy, celebrates the work of young people striving to protect the planet, and the pupils’ achievement has even earned praise from Sir David Attenborough, who sent a personal message of congratulations after a student wrote to him about the award.

The internationally recognised Green Flag celebrates schools that empower pupils to take meaningful environmental action. In Dunsford’s case, the school not only met the Eco-Schools seven-step framework but exceeded it, securing a Distinction for going above and beyond the programme's core requirements.

Environmental learning is woven into daily school life. From this term, pupils enjoy weekly Forest School sessions in their woodland classroom. The school grounds boast a wild garden, stream, pond, field, woodland area, outdoor adventure play equipment including a zip wire, and even a heated swimming pool, all of which help to foster a love of nature and hands-on learning.

Liam O’Sullivan, headteacher at Dunsford Community Academy, said:
“We are incredibly proud of our pupils for leading the way on environmental action and of Hamish for writing to David Attenborough. Earning the Eco-Schools Green Flag with Distinction is a fantastic achievement that reflects their determination to make a difference.

“At Dunsford, learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. From our forest school to our wild garden and pond, pupils are inspired daily by the outdoors and learn to take responsibility for the environment around them.”

Tracey Cleverly, CEO of the Learning Academy Partnership, added:
“We are delighted to see Dunsford Community Academy recognised with the Eco-Schools Green Flag with Distinction. This achievement is a testament to the school’s commitment to sustainability and to the incredible efforts of its pupils and staff. Across our trust, we aim to nurture global citizens who understand the importance of caring for our planet, and Dunsford’s success embodies that mission perfectly.”

Dunsford Community Academy aims to nurture children who are “aspirational, brave and thoughtful,” encouraging them to make a positive impact on the world around them. The school is part of the Learning Academy Partnership, a trust of 18 schools across Cornwall, Devon and Torbay, united by the mission of delivering Flourishing Futures for every child through exceptional, values-led education.