Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do I do if I have forgotten my log-in details? 
2. How do I check if my school is already registered?
3. How do I change the contact details for my school?
4. Can I use the Eco-Schools logo?
5. Where can I download template forms for the Environmental Review and Action Plan?
6. What type of schools can join Eco-Schools?
7. Do you accept international schools?
8. How often do I need to apply for the Green Flag?
9. How long will the Green Flag assessment last and what does it involve?
10. Where can I order Eco-Schools materials?
11. What does a school receive when it has achieved an award?
12. Does the school need planning permission to fly the flag?
13. How big will my Green Flag be?
14. Does a school have to go through each award stage?
15. Where can I get additional help with topics?
16. Can my organisation be featured in the links section of the Eco-Schools website?
17. Can I order a new or additional Green Flag?

1. What do I do if I have forgotten my log-in details?

Please don't try to re-register your school!

Follow the forgotten password link. You will be asked to enter the email address which you registered the school with. Once you've done that click on "submit" and the website will automatically send a new password to the registered email address. The password will not be personal to you and difficult to remember so it's a good idea to change it immediately to something memorable.

If you have forgotten or lost the email address with which you registered or it was registered by a previous member of staff please contact the Eco-Schools team on 01942 612614 or email eco-schools@keepbritaintidy.org with your school name and postcode so we can confirm your log-in details for you.

2. How do I check if my school is already registered?

You can check if your school is registered via our school search on the right hand side of the Eco-Schools homepage. Click on this and you'll be taken to a page where you can search by school name, local authority, award level or postcode. You don't need to fill in all the fields at once so if you can't find your school, try filling in fewer lines.

3.  How do I change the contact details for my school?

To change any of your school’s details please log in to the website in the top right hand corner using your registered email address and password. This will take you to your school landing page. The last option in the left hand menu is Add/Edit Details. Click on this and alter the details that require changing. Remember to click on "submit" or the details won't save.

4. Can I use the Eco-Schools logo?

Schools can only use the Eco-Schools logo once they have achieved the Green Flag award. To obtain a copy of the logo please email us providing your school name and postcode. We also have new Bronze and Silver level logos for use which can be obtained by logging into the schools area of the website.

If would like to feature the Eco-Schools logo in a magazine article or on a web page, then please email us with the request and a copy of the text you intend to use.

5. Where can I download templates for the Environmental Review and Action Plan?

You can download templates to help you carry out an Environmental Review and design your Action Plan in our programme materials section.

6. What type of schools can join Eco-Schools?

Any type of school in England can join Eco-Schools. This includes nurseries, primary schools, secondary schools, colleges, special schools, children’s centres and pupil referral units. If you are unsure whether you are eligible to join the Eco-Schools programme please contact the Eco-Schools team.

7. Do you accept international schools?

We may accept British and Forces schools abroad if you are following the National Curriculum but it is unlikely that we would be able to assess you for the Green Flag due to cost and the carbon footprint involved. We consider requests on a case-by-case basis. If you are keen to get involved it's best to email us and ask.

8. How often do I need to apply for the Green Flag?

The Green Flag needs to be renewed every two years. The online application process for renewing your Green Flag is slightly simpler than your initial application. Your renewal date is clearly shown on your individual school page viewed when you log in. We will also send you a number of email reminders as your renewal date approaches. When renewing, you will be asked how you have progressed since your were last assessed and how you have met any recommendations you may have been giving. More detailed information can be found on our Green Flag renewals page.

9. How long will the Green Flag assessment last and what does it involve?

The assessment will last approximately two hours and the assessor will want to have a tour of the school and speak to members of the Eco-Committee, as well as staff. More detailed guidance on what to expect during the Green Flag assessment can be found in the apply for an award section of the website.

10. Where can I order Eco-Schools materials?

A range of Eco-Schools branded materials can be purchased online from the Eco-Schools Shop. The shop is run on our behalf by TTS, a specialist schools equipment supplier.

11. What does a school receive when it has achieved an award?

Bronze and Silver awarded schools receive a certificate and logos which can be downloaded from the Eco-Schools website as part of the application process. Schools awarded a Green Flag receive a letter, certificate and flag.

12. Does the school need planning permission to fly the flag?

The school will need planning permission to erect a freestanding flagpole. Wall mounted flags do not require planning permission. Contact the planning office at your local council for further details.

13. How big will my green flag be?

Green Flags are approximately 116 cm long, and 211 cm wide counting the wind strip attatched. If you remove the wind strip they are 204 cm wide. 

14. Does a school have to go through each award stage?

Although it is not compulsory to achieve Bronze and Silver before the Green Flag it is highly recommended. Bronze and Silver awards have been designed as easily achievable stepping stones to the top level award. Schools report that it is a useful way of keeping momentum going and rewarding the Eco-Committee on the journey to Green Flag.

15. Where can I get additional help with topics?

Our Free Resources section lists a number of organisations that can provide help and guidance with each of the Eco-Schools themes. We also offer training courses to schools and local authorities.

16. Can my organisation be featured in the links section of the Eco-Schools website?

We are unable to feature any organisation in the links section that charges schools for services or products. If your organisation produces relevant materials or provides a service for schools free of charge, please email us with your request.

17. Can I order a new or additional Green Flag?

Yes, provided that you still hold a valid Green Flag award. If you are due for a Green Flag assessment you will automatically receive a free Eco-Schools Green Flag on the successful renewal of your award following a Green Flag assessment. Schools are entitled to one free flag per school. If you require an additional flag you can purchase one for £50 plus VAT from Eco-Schools by contacting us. We will prepare an invoice.