The Schools Sustainability Showcase returned on Thursday 21 May 2026 at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) Peterborough, bringing together students and teachers to celebrate practical climate action in schools.
Organised by PECT, the Peterborough-based environmental charity behind Climate Education, and supported by headline sponsor M Group and their partners, the event welcomed schools from across the region for a day of learning, collaboration and celebration.
The annual Showcase provides a platform for schools to share their environmental work, connect with other schools, and gain inspiration to take climate action further.
A day of hands-on learning
Students took part in a series of interactive workshops designed to explore real-world environmental challenges, including:
- Investigating microplastics with RECOUP
- Designing wildlife-friendly habitats with Froglife
- Identifying sustainability features across campus with ARU’s Eco Detectives
- Exploring environmental impact through artefacts with Digging History UK
These sessions encouraged students to think critically about sustainability while developing practical ideas they can apply in school and at home.
Students taking the lead
In the afternoon, students presented their sustainability projects to peers, guests and judges, showcasing a wide range of initiatives from waste reduction and biodiversity to curriculum-led climate education.
Participating schools included Highlees Primary, Fulbourn Primary School, Northboroug
h Primary, St Augustine’s CofE Juniors and The Beeches Primary, each demonstrating how student-led action is making a measurable difference in their school communities.
Celebrating achievement
The day concluded with an awards ceremony recognising the knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment shown by students and schools.
2026 award winners:
- M Group Special Award: St Augustine’s CofE Juniors
- Eco Factor Award: Northborough Primary
- ARU Peterborough Award for Sustainability: The Beeches Primary
- Student Choice Award: Highlees Primary
Heidi Latronico-Ferris, Environmental Education Lead at PECT, said:
“Every year, the Showcase reminds us just how much passion, creativity and leadership exists in our schools. Students are not only learning about sustainability, they are actively shaping solutions and inspiring those around them.
“It’s a privilege to celebrate their achievements and to see the confidence they gain from sharing their work. We hope they leave feeling proud of what they have accomplished and motivated to keep making a difference in their schools and communities.”
Thank you to our supporters
PECT extends thanks to M Group and their supply chain partners, including GAP Hire, Holcim, John Henry Group, PGR and WJ Group, for their continued support.
Thanks also go to ARU Peterborough for hosting, the Co-op for providing fresh fruit, and workshop leaders including RECOUP, Froglife and Digging History UK.
Join us in 2027!
The next Showcase will take place on 20 May 2027, with schools encouraged to get involved and share their own sustainability journeys, email Heidi at [email protected] to reserve your places early.