Case Studies
Plastic Free Schools in Action
Every school has the power to create change. Across the UK, pupils, teachers, and communities are leading the fight against plastic pollution — from cutting out single-use plastics in lunch halls to staging powerful campaigns that reach councils, supermarkets, and even Parliament.
These case studies celebrate the creativity, courage, and determination of schools who are showing what’s possible. Their stories prove that no action is too small, no voice too quiet, and no school too far away to make a difference.
We hope you’ll be inspired by their journeys — and ready to write your own.
👉 Join Plastic Free Schools today and add your voice to the movement!
Objective 1 – Action Plan
Salisbury Manor Primary school
The Challenge
Pupils wanted to clean up their school grounds and remove any plastic pollution they could find! They saw that their garden was often covered in plastic. First they set up their Action Group, below is a lovely example of how simple this first objective can be!
The Action
The children in the school’s Plastic Free Schools Action Group carried out a Trash Mob, and presented their findings in a whole-school assembly.
The Impact
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“It felt amazing to know we could actually change something grown-ups said was impossible.” – Pupil
Top Tip
“Start small, measure your impact, and celebrate every success — it motivates everyone to keep going.”
What’s Next
The eco-committee is planning a Plastic Free Picnic for the local community, showcasing reusable swaps and creative upcycling.
Objective 1 Secondary – Understanding the Problem
Christ The King College
The Challenge
Pupils formed their Action Group and worked together to find evidence that avoidable single-use plastic is an issue in their school.
The Action
During their Trash Mob (otherwise known as a litter pick), pupils kept a tally of all items collected, noting any specific brands that frequently appeared. All information was photographed, before being carefully documented in a power point detailing the contents of what they found and any ideas on how to combat the issue.
The Impact
“The pupils were really enthusiastic about this activity and collected more waste from the surrounding areas in 20 minutes than was disposed of during the whole lunchtime session.” – Teacher
What’s Next
Pupils suggested a regular clean of the outdoor spaces. They have already started to consider how effective their recycling measures really are, and what could be done instead.
They’re now moving on to Secondary School’s Objective 2: Campaign Launch
OBJECTIVE 2 – TRASH MOB
Chidham Parochial Primary School
The Challenge
Having formed their Action Group, pupils decided to organise a spick, span and speedy clean-up of their school grounds.
The Action
A team of children assembled, ready to remove plastic pollution from their environment. They worked together to pick up plastic in their playground and school field, before tallying up all the different types that they found.
The Impact
“We were concerned about how much we found. We […] have displayed the litter in a trough tray in our courtyard to show people we need to work harder!”
Top Tip
Remember to use the Plastic Free Schools sacks and gloves sent in your welcome pack.
Shout TRASH MOB to start your clean up!
What’s Next?
Objective 3 is Contacting Government. Pupils are going to write letters to introduce themselves to their local representative and tell them why their work as a Plastic Free School is so important.
OBJECTIVE 2 – TRASH MOB
Oystermouth Primary School
The Challenge
Following an inspection of their school grounds, Oystermouth’s pupils documented findings from their Trashmob.
The Action
‘The Eco Champs Pupil Voice Group’ submitted a document telling us why plastic was an issue and what their next steps might be.
The Impact
Pupils came up with a list of ideas about how to tackle plastic pollution in their school:
- Tell the school about the plastic free schools campaign in an assembly.
- Ask children to bring in a reusable drinks bottle.
- We could ask for the milk to be sent in a big bottle of milk or in glass bottles.
- Ask teachers to stop using the laminator.
Top Tip
Ideas from your Trashmob could inform Objective 5 – notice a plastic item causing a probelm and find a plastic-free alternative!
What’s Next?
Objective 3 is Contacting Government. Pupils are going to write letters to introduce themselves to their local representative and tell them why their work as a Plastic Free School is so important.
OBJECTIVE 3 – Contacting Government
Downsview Primary School
The Challenge
Local MPs are chosen to represent YOU and the community you live in. Put them to work and ask for their support.
The Action
“We invited our local MP Mr Steve Reed, who is also the (former) Environment Secretary, to visit our school. Fortunately and unexpectedly, he accepted the invitation and came for a quick visit on Friday 28th March. We were able to hand the letters in person and we are waiting for his reply. Our Year 4 eco reps were able to make a presentation to him about Plastic Free Schools and to ask him some questions about what is the government doing about this issue.”
The Impact
“We are still waiting for a formal reply from him, but Mr Reed engaged the eco reps in a conversation about plastic solutions. He explained how [there were plans] to ban some single use plastics like vapes and plastic wipes in the next few weeks. He talked about circular economy, and how the focus shouldn’t be so much in recycling but in creating a system where everything is used again. He gave an example of a building he had visited the day before that had been constructed with the rubble. Mr Reed was very impressed with the sacks of glue sticks and pens that we have been collecting and that cannot be reused or recycled.”
Top Tip
Sometimes, we might think MPs won’t have time to reply to our letters… but you never know if you don’t try!
What’s Next?
Objective 4 is Challening Industry – contact polluting industries so they step up and take their share of the responsibility.
OBJECTIVE 4 – Challenging Industry
Chevening Primary School
The Challenge
To tell big businesses we need them to change and help protect where we live from the effects of single-use plastic.
The Action
Pupils wrote a letter to His Majesty King Charles, regarding concern for the environment and plastic being used in construction.
Letters were also sent to Tesco, Milk and More, and the school’s stationery company.
The Impact
Pupils receieved replies from almost everyone they contacted… including a letter from the Head of Royal Correspondence at Buckingham Palace. They’ve proved that no voice or action is too small to make a difference, even when we’re up against big industries!
Top Tip
Aim high!
Send letters to numerous types of businesses to increase your chance of receiving a reply. Never assume that the big people don’t have time to write back.
What’s Next?
Objective 5 – removing single-use plastic from your school.
OBJECTIVE 5 Early Years – Sharing Your Work
Poppins Day Nursery
The Challenge
The message is simple and one to be very proud of: If we can do it, so can you!
The Action
Children created a peice of campaign artwork used to spread awareness of their work. We think this turtle looks so creative!
They shared their artwork with parents and even emailed copies to their local MP! What an incredible way to share their work toward tackling plastic pollution!
The Impact
This objective is all about sharing work with the wider community to encourage them to make changes in their own lives when it comes to single-use plastic.
Top Tip
Sharing with family and friends is a wonderful way to start, but see if you can take it even further, and share your work with MPs, just like Poppins Day Nursery!
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