Cheshire College – South & West has been named a finalist in the ‘Outstanding Commitment to the Environment & Sustainability’ category at the prestigious Educate Awards 2026. This nomination highlights the institution’s comprehensive efforts to integrate environmental stewardship into its academic curriculum and operational practices.
The college has made significant strides in fostering a culture of sustainability, aiming to equip students not only with theoretical knowledge but with the practical skills necessary to tackle modern environmental challenges. By embedding these themes into everyday learning, Cheshire College seeks to empower its student body to contribute meaningfully to their local communities.
“Being shortlisted for this award is a fantastic recognition of the work taking place to make sustainability part of what we do,” said Helen Nellist, Deputy Principal and Deputy CEO at Cheshire College. “We’re proud of the practical opportunities we give our students to explore environmental issues, develop sustainable skills, and make a positive contribution to their communities.”
A cornerstone of this commitment is the college’s long-standing partnership with Chester Zoo. This collaboration has allowed students to engage directly with conservation-focused, real-world projects. A notable success of this initiative is the creation of a ‘Wellbeing Garden’ at the Ellesmere Port campus. The project saw entry-level students transform an underutilized outdoor area into a vibrant, sustainable green space. Throughout the process, the students were guided through core themes of nature, biodiversity, and mental wellbeing, turning a construction project into an educational experience.
Building on the success of the garden, the partnership has expanded to include an Environmental Leadership Course. Designed for students on the ‘Learning for Life and Work’ programme, this course provides hands-on insight into conservation and the preservation of local habitats. Practical field trips, such as those to Red Rocks Sands in West Kirby, have helped students refine essential soft skills, including teamwork, communication, and strategic problem-solving.
Beyond student-led initiatives, the college is implementing a major multi-campus decarbonisation programme. This institutional investment is aimed at significantly reducing the college’s overall energy consumption and carbon footprint. A key component of this infrastructure project is the ‘Sustainable House’ at the Ellesmere Port campus. This facility serves as a living laboratory for students in construction, electrical, and related trades, providing them with direct experience using modern green technologies such as ground source heat pumps and smart energy monitoring systems.
The college’s holistic approach ensures that sustainability is viewed as a fundamental skill for the future workforce, bridging the gap between classroom theory and industry requirements.
The Educate Awards 2026 ceremony is scheduled to take place on Friday, November 13, at Liverpool Cathedral. The event will bring together education professionals, schools, and colleges from across the region to celebrate excellence and innovation within the sector. As a finalist, Cheshire College stands alongside other forward-thinking institutions that are prioritizing environmental responsibility as a key pillar of modern education.
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