Schools and young people

Young people across Stockport are passionate about tackling the climate crisis and we have committed to put young people at the heart of CAN plans. We want to create spaces where young people’s voices are heard.

Schools Climate Assembly

The Schools Climate Assembly is an annual project where young people learn about, propose, debate and vote on climate action ideas. Pupils have Climate Action and Democracy in Action lessons in their schools and colleges, before taking part in a youth debate in council chambers at Stockport Town Hall. Following the debate, young people will present their ideas at a meeting of all the councillors and we will act on the winning idea.

In March 2023, pupils voted for an idea submitted by St Paul’s Primary School in Brinnington. Their idea supported community gardens where people can plant and pick fruit and vegetables, reducing the carbon footprint of food.

In 2022, the winning idea was from Reddish Vale High School. Their idea was for eco-friendly, biodegradable and reuseable period products to be more affordable and accessible in schools. In response we provided grants and training, to increase provision of eco-friendly period products in Stockport schools.

Schools and colleges can get in touch with us for more information about how to get involved.

Watch the 2022 Schools Climate Assembly

Two high school students in school uniform

Blair and Ace

Reddish Vale High School

Read more about Blair and Ace

Eco-friendly period products

In response to the winning idea from the Schools Climate Assembly debate 2022, we created eco-friendly period product training.

Watch the eco-friendly period product training video.

Sustainable Travel

Our Road Safety team provide support for schools through advice around walk to school days. Enabling park and stride, supporting cycle parking and working with schools for them to develop sustainable travel plans. Find out more on our Road Safety webpages.

Our 'Turn it Off' campaign was launched in 2022 to clamp down on dirty air outside Stockport's schools. The campaign asks parents and guardians to turn off their car engines when waiting for children outside schools at pick up time to reduce harmful air pollution and to reduce emissions. Schools can pledge to support the campaign and get a banner to display at the school gates. Contact us to request a banner.

Find further information on our School Streets page.

Climate Action Now summit

The CAN summit is an annual event that focuses on:

  • key climate issues in Stockport
  • celebrating amazing community and business climate actions
  • sharing updates on Council progress

Watch videos of previous CAN summits

Support and campaigns for schools

Transform Our World brings together teacher-tested and reviewed resources from across the environmental sector into one place. You can access the Schools Climate Action Planner, a resource which was developed with Greater Manchester Combined Authority. This will help you to identify actions, access teaching resources and engage staff, pupils and parents. You can find more information on the Transform Our World website.

Eco Schools helps schools on their sustainability journey and to embed environmental principles into the heart of school life. You can find more information on the Eco-School website.

Let's Go Zero is a national campaign uniting teachers, pupils, parents and their schools as they all work together to be net zero by 2030. It offers resources and support on your school's net zero journey. You can find more information on the Let's Go Zero website.

Past projects and campaigns

A 'School Streets' trial and consultation ran with 8 Stockport schools in Spring 2022. Through temporary road closures around drop off and pick up times (except to residents, health care and emergency vehicles), the project aims to make streets safer and healthier for pupils and parents and encourage more walking, cycling and scooting. For more information read our School Streets trial news article.