Climate Action Plans in Schools: Preparing for the DfE's 2025 Deadline

The Department for Education (DfE) is calling on all schools in England – from early years and primaries to secondaries and colleges – to have a sustainability lead and a Climate Action Plan (CAP) in place by September 2025. This guidance, part of the DfE’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy, means that by the start of the 2025 academic year every school is expected to publish its own plan for tackling climate change. In this post, we explain what this requirement entails, why it matters, and how school leaders, teachers and governors can develop an effective Climate Action Plan for their setting.

Climate action plan timeline

DfE’s Climate Action Plan Requirement: A Summary

The DfE’s official strategy makes it clear: “By 2025, all education settings will have nominated a sustainability lead and put in place a climate action plan.”. This non-statutory guidance applies across England to maintained schools, academies, multi-academy trusts (MATs), early years providers, colleges and universities. In practice, it means each school or trust should designate a staff member (or team) to drive sustainability and have a written plan outlining how the school will reduce its environmental impact and increase climate education.

Key points from the DfE guidance include:

• Appoint a sustainability lead: Every setting should identify an individual (or committee) with responsibility for developing and implementing the plan. This champion will coordinate actions, monitor progress and engage others in the journey.
• Publish a Climate Action Plan: The plan itself is a detailed strategy for how your school will become more sustainable – for example, by improving energy efficiency, cutting carbon emissions, enhancing biodiversity on site, and educating pupils on climate change. Schools are encouraged to share their plans publicly (e.g. on the school website) to involve parents and the community.
• Aim for long-term targets: The education sector is working towards a 75% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2037 (against a 2019 baseline), on the way to net zero by 2050. Your school’s Climate Action Plan is a crucial first step toward this national goal.

While there is no single mandated template for a school CAP, the DfE expects plans to be holistic. In fact, official guidance highlights four key areas that every plan should cover (with at least one action in each area):

• Decarbonisation: Cutting carbon emissions – for example, by improving energy efficiency, using renewable energy, reducing waste and promoting low-carbon travel.
• Adaptation and Resilience: Preparing for the impacts of climate change – e.g. preventing overheating in classrooms, managing flood risks, and making the school estate more climate-resilient. -Improving the Natural Environment (Biodiversity): Enhancing biodiversity and green spaces on school grounds, improving air quality, and connecting young people with nature. -Climate Education and Green Careers: Expanding climate change education across the curriculum and equipping students with knowledge and skills for sustainable jobs.

These focus areas align with the DfE’s framework and ensure that a school’s plan addresses both operational changes (like energy and infrastructure) and educational outcomes (teaching, pupil engagement and careers). By covering all four, schools can demonstrate a comprehensive approach to sustainability.

Why Climate Action Planning Matters in Education

Beyond simply meeting a government requirement, creating a Climate Action Plan brings many benefits to schools and their communities. The DfE emphasises that having a clear sustainability plan, backed by leadership, helps schools to “create a culture that prioritises sustainability” and empower students and staff with the confidence to make positive change. Here are a few key reasons why climate action planning is so important in the education sector:

• Protecting schools against climate impacts: With extreme weather events on the rise, planning for resilience is essential. Schools with climate action plans will be better prepared for events like heatwaves or flooding, ensuring the safety and comfort of pupils. Taking action now – for example, planting shade trees or improving drainage – can prevent costly damage and disruption later.
• Reducing costs and improving infrastructure: Many sustainable actions (such as upgrading insulation, switching to LED lighting or reducing waste) can significantly cut energy and water bills. Over time, these savings free up resources that can be reinvested in education. Greener practices also tend to improve the school environment – think cleaner air, improved grounds and more comfortable classrooms – boosting overall wellbeing.
• Addressing student wellbeing and climate anxiety: Young people today are keenly aware of climate change, and many experience anxiety about the future. Schools can play a positive role by “fostering positive action” and giving students a sense of agency. Involving pupils in eco-projects – from running recycling schemes to growing vegetables – channels worry into empowerment. This hands-on learning builds hope and resilience, and reinforces the idea that everyone can contribute to solutions.
• Enhancing education and career skills: Climate action plans naturally tie into the curriculum – through science, geography, citizenship, and more. Developing a plan creates opportunities for knowledge-rich teaching about climate change and sustainability. It also lets students explore emerging green careers and skills. For example, a school might run a project on energy monitoring, giving pupils insight into engineering or environmental science careers. In short, climate action becomes a living part of school life and learning.
• Community leadership and reputation: Schools are often central hubs of their community. By visibly committing to sustainability, a school can strengthen its reputation and even inspire local action. Governors and school leaders note that a credible climate plan signals that the school is forward-thinking and responsible – attributes that resonate with parents and Ofsted alike. Sharing successes (like achieving Eco-Schools Green Flag status or winning sustainability awards) can attract positive publicity and partnerships.

Overall, a Climate Action Plan is more than a bureaucratic exercise – it’s an opportunity to enrich your school’s ethos and prepare students for the future. As one school sustainability advisor put it, “schools that act now will not only meet DfE requirements but also create healthier, more resilient learning environments while reducing costs.”

How to Create Your School’s Climate Action Plan (Step-by-Step)

Developing a Climate Action Plan may sound daunting, but it can be broken down into practical steps. Every school is at a different point in their sustainability journey – some may be starting from scratch, while others can build on existing eco policies. The following step-by-step guide is aligned with DfE expectations and good practice recommendations:

1. Establish Sustainability Leadership – Begin by putting together a team to lead the work. Appoint a Sustainability Lead (or Green Champion) to coordinate the planning process. This could be a teacher, bursar, or member of SLT with passion for the agenda. It’s also wise to form a green team or committee that includes a mix of staff (teachers, site managers, support staff) and students. In many schools, governors or trustees are also involved to provide oversight. DfE guidance notes that having a diverse, empowered team – with senior leadership backing – is critical for success. Make sure everyone understands their role and remit. A first task for the team is often to draft a vision or set of principles (e.g. a sustainability policy or a simple mission statement) to guide your efforts.

2. Assess Your Starting Point (Baseline) – Before deciding on actions, take stock of where your school stands now. Gather data to form a baseline of current performance: for example, annual energy consumption, water use, recycling rates, travel patterns, etc. Tools like an energy audit or carbon footprint calculator can help quantify your emissions. Also review what initiatives are already in place – perhaps you have an Eco-Schools club, a garden, solar panels, or curriculum links. You’d be surprised what may already be happening in your school community! Engaging an enthusiastic group of pupils in conducting a “sustainability audit” can be a great learning exercise. The baseline will highlight your biggest impacts and opportunities. For instance, you might discover that heating is your major energy cost, or that single-use plastics are a problem on site. This analysis sets a factual foundation for your Climate Action Plan.

3. Set Goals and Priority Actions – Next, define what you want to achieve and how. Using your baseline insights, identify priority areas for action. It’s useful to align with the DfE’s four key areas framework: decide at least one initiative for decarbonisation, adaptation, biodiversity, and climate education respectively. For example, your plan might include a decarbonisation goal to cut electricity use by 10% (perhaps by upgrading to LED lighting or improving insulation), a biodiversity goal to create a wildflower garden, an adaptation goal to install shading in the playground, and an education goal to integrate climate topics into PHSE lessons. Set SMART targets where possible – specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound. The DfE strategy encourages schools to be ambitious (remember the sector-wide 75% emissions reduction by 2037) but also realistic. Focus on a few key actions in the first instance rather than an endless list – it’s better to make steady progress than to be overwhelmed. Many schools start with “quick wins” (like adjusting heating timers or running a no-idling campaign for cars) while planning longer-term investments for bigger impacts. Ensure your goals cover both operational changes and educational activities, reflecting the whole-school approach.

4. Develop the Action Plan Document – Now put it all together in a clear plan. There is flexibility in format, but generally a Climate Action Plan document will include: your overall vision or goal (e.g. “We aim to become carbon neutral by 2030”), a set of targets or objectives under each of the four key themes, and a detailed action list or roadmap. For each action, specify what will be done, by whom, and by when. Include practical details like required resources or budget, and how you will measure success. For example, an action might be: “Install LED lighting in all classrooms – responsible: site manager, timeline: by Dec 2024, resource: seek Salix funding, success measure: 20% reduction in electricity use”. Laying out actions with timelines helps everyone see the path forward. You may organise the plan by theme (energy, waste, etc.) or by short/medium/long term phases – use whatever structure is most workable. Remember to also plan for educational activities (like adding climate change in geography curriculum by next term, or running a climate-themed assembly each term). Tip: Several templates are available to guide you (see next section), so you don’t have to start from a blank page.

5. Secure Support and Approvals – A plan on paper is only effective if it’s embraced by the whole school community. Present your draft Climate Action Plan to the senior leadership team and governors for feedback and formal approval. Emphasise how it aligns with the school’s ethos and improvement plans (in fact, some schools are embedding their climate plan within their School Development Plan). It’s important that school leadership is on board to integrate the plan into decision-making – for example, considering sustainability in budget choices or estate maintenance. Many schools also choose to consult students and staff on the plan. This could involve an assembly to explain the proposals, a student council discussion, or inviting comments via a survey. Such engagement builds buy-in and might spark new ideas. Once finalised and approved, ensure the plan is formally adopted by the school or trust. Assign owners for each action (if not done already) and set up a mechanism to monitor progress, such as termly sustainability meetings or reports to governors.

6. Publish and Launch the Plan – The DfE encourages schools to publish their Climate Action Plans on their websites – not only to meet the 2025 expectation but also to celebrate your commitment publicly. Upload the plan document (perhaps alongside a summary or an eye-catching infographic version for easy reading). Some schools even create a student-friendly version of the plan, so that pupils can easily understand the goals. Consider announcing your plan’s launch in a newsletter or local press – it’s a great positive news story for the community. Kick off some initial actions straight away, to maintain momentum. For example, you might organise a tree-planting day or a “switch-off” campaign in the first week. Early successes will show that the plan is not just a document but a living initiative.

7. Integrate, Implement, Iterate – Finally, remember that a Climate Action Plan is a living document. Build its actions into everyday school operations and curriculum over time. Regularly remind staff and students of the goals (e.g. via posters, assemblies, and updates). Involve pupils through eco clubs or projects – their enthusiasm can be a driving force. As you implement measures, track the results: Are your energy bills going down? How many students are cycling to school? Celebrate milestones and adjust the plan annually as needed. The sustainability lead should report progress to the leadership and governing body, ensuring accountability. Don’t be afraid to revise targets or add new actions each year – the plan should evolve as your school makes progress or as new opportunities (or funding) arise. The goal is to make sustainability an ongoing part of school life, not a one-off project. By September 2025, you’ll not only meet the DfE’s requirements, but you’ll have embedded a lasting culture of climate action in your school.

Templates, Frameworks and Resources to Help You

The good news is that schools do not have to invent their Climate Action Plans from scratch – a range of official frameworks and resources are available:

• DfE Guidance and Portal: The DfE’s own non-statutory guidance “Sustainability leadership and climate action plans in education” (available on GOV.UK) is a key reference. Additionally, the DfE has funded an online hub called Sustainability Support for Education. This free portal provides step-by-step guidance, case studies and quality-assured resources for schools and trusts. Users can filter advice by topic (energy, biodiversity, etc.) and by their setting type or progress level. It’s a one-stop shop endorsed by the DfE to help sustainability leads structure their plans and find answers to common questions. We recommend exploring this site early in your planning process.
• Climate Action Plan Templates: Officially, the DfE has not issued a single template document that all schools must use – however, it has endorsed a flexible framework (the four key areas above) which many templates follow. Some local authorities and trusts have shared templates that align with DfE expectations. For example, Southwark Council has published a School Climate Action Plan template with example actions, designed to fulfill the DfE’s requirements. Using such a template can save time by giving you a ready-made structure (sections for decarbonisation, resilience, etc.) where you can fill in your school’s specific goals. Check if your local council or academy trust provides a template or planning toolkit. Even if not, you can adapt freely available ones – just ensure you cover the required themes and tailor it to your context.
• Let’s Go Zero and Climate Ambassadors: DfE is working in partnership with several organisations to support schools. Let’s Go Zero is a national campaign (run by the charity Ashden) that encourages schools to go zero carbon and offers free Climate Action Advisors to schools across England. These advisors can help you conduct baseline assessments, devise action plans and connect with local initiatives. The Climate Ambassador programme similarly matches schools with volunteer experts for guidance. Accessing these programmes is voluntary, but many schools have found them incredibly helpful – especially if you’re not sure where to begin or need fresh ideas. They often provide frameworks, audit tools, and even one-to-one mentoring at no cost. (Note: Be aware there are also commercial consultants and software tools in the marketplace, but given budget constraints, it’s sensible to utilise the free DfE-backed support first and foremost.)
• Curriculum and Engagement Resources: For the educational side of your plan, look at initiatives like the National Education Nature Park and the Climate Leaders Award, launched by DfE. These programmes provide curriculum-linked activities for students to boost biodiversity and climate knowledge. They can be woven into your plan under the “education and green skills” category. Similarly, organisations like Eco-Schools (Keep Britain Tidy) offer a well-known framework (seven-step process) that can complement your climate action plan by actively involving pupils. Participating in Eco-Schools or similar schemes can tick off several actions in your plan (and earn your school an Eco-Schools Green Flag, as achieved by Walton on the Hill Primary!).

In short, don’t plan in isolation – leverage the growing network of sustainability in education. There are newsletters, webinars and local school eco networks popping up (many are referenced on the DfE portal) where you can share tips and resources. The climate challenge can feel overwhelming, but collectively schools have a huge opportunity to learn from each other and even collaborate on projects.

Examples of UK Schools Leading the Way

Many schools and academies are already making great strides with their climate action planning – and they offer inspiration for others. Here are a few examples from around the UK of schools that have started work on their Climate Action Plans (CAPs), along with a glimpse of their approaches:

• Walton on the Hill Primary School (Surrey): A one-form entry primary that has embraced sustainability as part of its ethos. In response to the DfE’s 2025 guidance, Walton on the Hill appointed a lead teacher and a governor for sustainability early on. The school developed its Climate Action Plan during 2024 with input from staff, governors and the pupil Eco Team, and shared the finished plan with the whole community by summer 2024. They even created a child-friendly summary of the plan so that all pupils could understand the goals. The plan (available on their website) covers 2024–2027 and is integrated into the school’s improvement strategy. This school also achieved the Eco-Schools Green Flag, demonstrating its commitment to student-led environmental action.
• Latchmere Academy Trust (Kingston upon Thames, London): A multi-academy trust that has published a bold Climate Action Plan at trust level. Latchmere’s plan sets a target to reduce carbon emissions by 78% by 2035 (in line with national targets) and reach net zero by 2050. The trust’s core values – Ambitious, Collaborative, Resilient, Inclusive – are linked to its climate strategy, emphasising empowering each child to take part in sustainability efforts. Latchmere’s plan was established by first measuring the trust’s carbon baseline and then identifying actions needed to hit their targets, such as energy-saving campaigns and student-led projects. The full plan is shared on the trust’s website, and they invite parents and community members with expertise to get involved. This example shows how a group of schools can coordinate a high-level climate plan while still engaging individual pupils in each school.
• Crofty Education Trust (Cornwall): Crofty is a trust of several primary schools in Cornwall that has taken a collaborative approach to climate action. They convened a Trust Eco Council (with representatives from their schools) and an Operations team to jointly devise their Climate Action Plan. Crofty’s plan is built around five strategic drivers – “Use Less, Build Knowledge, Buy Smart, Be Agents of Change, Recognise Success” – which guide their actions and were inspired by the United Nations’ child-friendly climate framework. Each school in the trust contributes its own goals as part of the overarching plan. For example, one school focused on cutting single-use plastics, while another started a community garden – all under the shared strategy. The trust has made their combined Trust and School Climate Action Plan available as a PDF on their website for transparency. Crofty’s example underlines the power of student voice: their pupils (through the Eco Council) play an active role in monitoring progress and coming up with new ideas, supported by staff.
• The St Marylebone CE School (London): An inner-city secondary school that has shown early initiative in climate action. St Marylebone began working on its climate plan ahead of the 2025 deadline and aimed to have it in place by September 2024. With support from a Let’s Go Zero Climate Action Advisor, the school made significant progress in just a few months. Actions implemented include a wholesale switch to LED lighting (to cut energy use), running a mock COP29 climate conference with 70+ students, introducing food waste recycling and reducing single-use plastics in catering. They also piloted plant-based meal options to engage the school community in sustainable lifestyles. St Marylebone’s leadership and students are visibly enthusiastic – their story has been featured as an example for other schools to follow. This case illustrates how secondary schools can integrate climate action into student activities (like debates and workshops), and tackle operations at the same time, all as part of a structured plan.

Each school’s context is different, but the common thread in these examples is strong leadership and student engagement. Whether it’s a small primary or a large academy trust, the message is that early adopters are paving the way and proving that climate action plans are achievable and beneficial. By looking at these published plans and initiatives, you can gather ideas and adapt them for your own school. (For instance, you might find a school similar to yours in size that has shared their plan online – many are proud to do so, so don’t hesitate to reach out and learn from peers.)

Conclusion: A Greener Future for Schools

Climate change is one of the defining challenges of our time, and schools have a vital role to play in the solution – not only by cutting their carbon footprint, but by educating the next generation of climate leaders. The DfE’s requirement for Climate Action Plans by 2025 is a timely catalyst for action. By starting the planning process now, schools can meet the deadline and turn a global challenge into a local opportunity for growth and learning.

In this guide, we’ve covered the essentials: understanding what the DfE expects, why it truly matters for your school, and how to go about creating a robust Climate Action Plan. With leadership commitment, a clear framework, and the wealth of support available – from official templates to peer networks – every school can craft a plan that is realistic yet ambitious. Remember, it’s fine to start small: focus on a few impactful actions and build from there. The important thing is to begin.

September 2025 may seem not far off, but with a step-by-step approach you can get there. By publishing your plan, you’ll not only comply with DfE guidance, you’ll demonstrate your school’s commitment to a sustainable future. This will inspire confidence in students, staff, parents and the wider community that your school is doing its part.

Finally, keep in mind that climate action is a journey. Even after 2025, continue to revisit and evolve your plan. Celebrate successes with your students – whether it’s lowering your energy use or increasing biodiversity in the school garden – and make sustainability an ongoing conversation in school life. In doing so, you’ll help foster a generation of informed, empowered young people ready to build a greener future.

By planning for climate action today, schools are planting the seeds for a better tomorrow. Here’s to seeing every school with a Climate Action Plan proudly in place, leading by example as we collectively rise to the climate challenge.