Teddington School has become the first school in Richmond borough to receive a new clean air accreditation, with it achieving gold status.
The Clean Air School Accreditation programme supports schools to raise awareness of air pollution among their pupils, families, and wider communities, and recognises those that show a real commitment to improving air quality in their local area.
The award was announced as Richmond marked national Clean Air Day today (Thursday, 18 June).
Councillor Alexander Ehmann, deputy leader and chair of the transport and air quality committee, said: “This gold status is brilliant recognition for Teddington School.
“Staff and pupils are doing a terrific job of raising awareness of air pollution and encouraging thinking about what we can all do to improve the air we breathe.
“The Clean Air School Accreditation programme is launching at a time when air quality in the borough keeps improving.
“Nitrogen dioxide levels have fallen markedly and our new Air Quality Action Plan for 2025 to 2030 sets out ambitious targets to reduce this further.”
Teddington School was part of a pilot stage of the programme in Richmond upon Thames.
Its sustainability and air quality activities have included recording student sustainability podcasts, measuring air quality around the school site, and expanding bike parking facilities.
Paul Grills, headteacher at Teddington School, said: “This fantastic achievement reflects the dedication of our students, staff, and wider school community in making positive environmental choices and taking meaningful action to protect our local environment.
“Our students have been actively involved in planting projects around the school site, helping to improve local air quality, enhance biodiversity, and create greener spaces for everyone to enjoy.
“Many students have also embraced active and sustainable travel options, including walking, cycling, and public transport, reducing traffic congestion and vehicle emissions around the school and wider area.”
The Clean Air School accreditation programme is now being officially launched across the borough.
Schools can work towards bronze, silver or gold accreditation status at their own pace, with activities such as walk or cycle to school days, cycle training, installing green pollution barriers, and hosting eco events all counting towards the recognition.
Richmond Council’s air quality team is on hand to provide resources and support and can also hold free workshops on pollution and vehicle idling. It also provides the air quality status assessments required for gold accreditation.