Abbey Gate College is delighted to announce that it has been shortlisted for the Outstanding Conservation Initiative category at the 2026 National Conservation Education Awards, organised by Chester Zoo.
The nomination recognises the success of the Cheshire Schools Sustainability Conference, initiated, organised and led by Abbey Gate College in November 2025. Now in its third year, following successful conferences in 2023 and 2024, the event has become a growing platform for collaboration and environmental leadership among young people across the region.
Hosted by Abbey Gate College’s student Heads of School, the conference brought together more than 140 students aged 8 to 18, alongside 15 teachers from eight schools across Cheshire. Opened by the Lord Mayor of Chester, Councillor Sherin Akhtar, the event provided opportunities for students to share ideas, showcase sustainability projects and explore ways of working together to address environmental challenges.
Participating schools included Bishop Heber High School, Christleton High School, Guilden Sutton C of E Primary School, Huntington Community Primary School, Saighton Primary School, Tarporley High School and The Firs School, Chester.
Throughout the day, students took part in workshops, discussions and presentations focused on some of the most pressing environmental issues facing society today. The event highlighted the creativity, leadership and determination of young people who are committed to making a positive difference within their schools and communities.
Mrs Flatman, Head of Sustainability at Abbey Gate College, said:
“We are incredibly honoured to receive this nomination. The Cheshire Schools Sustainability Conference was born from a desire to bring young people together to share ideas, learn from one another and recognise that collective action is essential in addressing environmental challenges.
“The enthusiasm, creativity and commitment demonstrated by the students throughout the day was truly inspiring, and this nomination is a wonderful recognition of their efforts and those of our partner schools.”
The conference forms part of Abbey Gate College’s growing Community Partnerships Programme, which creates opportunities for collaboration between schools, charities, businesses and community organisations across the region.
Mrs Pitcher, Community Partnerships Coordinator at Abbey Gate College said:
”One of the greatest strengths of our partnerships programme is its ability to bring people together around issues that matter. The Sustainability Conference demonstrated the power of collaboration, with pupils and staff from different schools sharing their experiences, learning from each other and discovering that they can achieve far more collectively than they can alone.
We are delighted that this spirit of partnership has been recognised through this nomination, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen these connections across our community.”
The conference reflects Abbey Gate College’s wider commitment to Sustainability, one of the College’s three Pillars of Purpose alongside Self and Service. Sustainability is embedded throughout College life, from student leadership opportunities and environmental initiatives to partnerships that encourage pupils to think critically about their role in shaping the future.
Head, Mr Craig Jenkinson, said:
“We are immensely proud to see Abbey Gate College recognised in this way. Sustainability is not simply something we teach; it is a value that underpins our vision for education and helps shape the character of our pupils.
“Hosting the Cheshire Schools Sustainability Conference demonstrated the power of collaboration between schools and the passion that young people have for creating positive change. This nomination is a celebration of our students, our staff and our wider school community, all of whom are committed to building a more sustainable future.”
The National Conservation Education Awards celebrate excellence in conservation education across the UK and recognise schools, educators and initiatives that are helping to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders. Shortlisted nominees will attend an awards ceremony at Chester Zoo on 8 July, where organisations from across the country will come together to celebrate outstanding achievements in conservation education.
Whatever the outcome, Abbey Gate College is immensely proud that the Cheshire Schools Sustainability Conference has been recognised on a national stage. The College looks forward to building on the success of the event and continuing to work with schools, students and partners to champion sustainability for years to come.
