Our Stories
Championing youth leadership for sustainability across the East Midlands
Following the momentum of our Student Leadership Conference, we’re excited to share the real-world impact of the sustainability initiatives that have taken root across our regional multi-academy trusts.
In partnership with Global Action Plan, we’ve empowered pupils to take the lead on sustainability within their schools and local communities. As part of this work, we’re proud to share a powerful collection of pupil-led projects from across our trusts – each one a testament to what happens when young people are given the opportunity to lead. From biodiversity gardens and climate assemblies to foodbank partnerships and clothing swaps, these initiatives showcase how environmental learning and compassionate values are being brought to life in creative, practical and deeply impactful ways.
To celebrate and visually capture this work, we’ve also commissioned a series of regional maps that highlight the diverse sustainability and social action projects happening across each Trust.
Discovery Trust
Young people across Discovery Trust took the lead on a variety of impactful sustainability and social action initiatives. Pupils launched climate change assemblies, organised clothing reuse projects to support families, and built relationships with care homes through acts of intergenerational kindness. In another school, students revitalised a school allotment — growing vegetables for use in cooking lessons, reducing food waste, and connecting sustainability directly to the curriculum.
“I loved seeing the children taking the lead on this. It has really empowered them and made them realise that they can make a difference. Their confidence has flourished as we have worked our way through the project and they are very proud of themselves.” – A teacher from Greystoke Primary School.
Flying High Partnership
Schools across the Flying High Partnership took a hands-on approach to sustainability, with projects ranging from composting and growing pesticide-free vegetables to monthly uniform swaps and whole-school climate action assemblies. Pupils led recycling campaigns, formed eco-leadership groups, coordinated a school-wide litter-picking event and engaged families and local businesses to support allotments and environmental improvements, embedding sustainability into everyday school life.
“It has made me really appreciate the impact that making links with the communities outside of the school can have on the children. They grew in confidence and have developed a better understanding of different types of people and their needs in our area.” – A teacher from Hillside Primary and Nursery School.
Redhill Academy Trust
Pupils from Redhill Academy Trust developed innovative projects targeting biodiversity, climate action, and sustainable consumption. In secondary settings, campaigns like “Meat-Free Mondays” encouraged behavioural change, while classrooms were transformed with greenery to boost wellbeing. Primary pupils took the lead on rewilding school grounds, planting orchards and wildflower areas, and creating forest school spaces to support long-term ecological learning.
“Doing this project has helped us to provide students with different perspectives on the world and widening their experiences.” – A teacher from The Bolsover School.
Djanogly Learning Trust
Across Djanogly Learning Trust, learners tackled a wide range of sustainability goals, from energy saving to tackling inequality. Projects included wildlife area creation, food bank partnerships, energy awareness campaigns, and personal care drives for shelters. These initiatives not only addressed environmental concerns but also focused on social justice, demonstrating holistic leadership from pupils.
“Seeing some of the pupils being inspired to make a difference has been great. Taking part in this project has empowered me to allow the pupils to take the lead.” – A teacher from Djanogly Strelley Academy.
Archway Learning Trust
While still in the early stages, students from Archway Learning Trust have begun shaping ideas around climate leadership and sustainability in their school community — laying the groundwork for future action and demonstrating strong early engagement and commitment to environmental responsibility.
“It’s been great to allow the students to take initiative and decide what they wanted to do.” – A teacher from Nottingham Emmanuel School.
Rachel Manning, Head of Transform our World at Global Action Plan, said:
“It has been a privilege to partner with Inspiring Leaders. Our collaboration has enabled us to support both students and teachers in designing and delivering meaningful environmental and social action projects. It has been heartening to see the enthusiasm and energy of young people as they work together to choose, plan, and deliver their projects, demonstrating creativity and a commitment to making a difference,”
“Through this partnership, we have seen young people empowered as confident changemakers within their schools and wider communities. By equipping teachers with the knowledge and tools to facilitate youth-led projects, we are laying the groundwork for a sustained culture of compassionate, student-driven leadership across Inspiring Leaders schools.”
If you’d like to explore how you can do this in your school, get in touch with Global Action Plan or download the Youth Social Action handbook.