New national framework helps schools embed sustainability across the curriculum

Previously only available to schools through an application process, the free framework is now open nationally, giving schools a clear and supported way to make sustainability part of everyday learning.

The refreshed framework has been shaped by schools and led by qualified educational specialists. LEAF consulted with 35 primary and secondary schools over the past year to understand what teachers need from a programme like this and how Demonstration Schools could better support schools' priorities today.

The consultation showed that schools need a framework that is accessible, time-efficient and easy to communicate across the whole school community, including governors and trust leaders. Their feedback helped LEAF identify and create a practical, progressive pathway that connects sustainability with the existing curriculum using food and farming as a lynchpin.

Rather than asking schools to start from scratch, the LEAF Demonstration Schools framework recognises and celebrates the excellent work already taking place in schools. It helps schools bring that activity together, identify priorities and take manageable next steps suited to their own context, supporting existing curriculum, enrichment and sustainability commitments without creating unnecessary additional workload.

The enhanced framework gives every participating school access to practical tools and resources. From Bronze level onwards, schools can also benefit from personalised support from a qualified LEAF Education Specialist – support that was previously limited to schools accepted through the application process.

In the framework, every school starts with a Pledge and can then progress through Bronze, Silver and Gold at a pace that works for them. A school can begin with one teacher and one class or involve a wider group across the school; there is no expectation to do everything at once.

Food and farming provide a natural starting point. Pupils can investigate where food comes from, how it is produced, the relationship between farming and nature, and the choices involved in building a more sustainable food system. Experiential learning is also central to the framework, helping pupils connect classroom learning with the world around them with supported farm visits a key part of the framework. 

Carl Edwards, LEAF Director of Communication, Engagement and Education, said:

“Schools are already doing some excellent work around food, farming and sustainability, but it is not always recognised or brought together as part of a coherent plan. We wanted to create a framework that celebrates what schools are already achieving and helps them build from that starting point.

As qualified teachers ourselves, we understand the pressures schools face. Demonstration Schools has therefore been designed to be practical, manageable and relevant to the commitments schools already need to meet - strengthening curriculum learning, enrichment and Climate Action Plans without creating another layer of work.

Food and farming provide an incredibly powerful way to bring sustainability to life. The framework gives schools the structure, resources and expert support to make those connections meaningful and embed them across teaching and wider school life.”