Introduction

Eco-Schools in Northern Ireland

Eco-Schools is a programme that helps schools integrate environmental education into daily learning and school culture. It encourages students, staff, parents, and local communities to work together on sustainability.

The programme links to the curriculum and promotes hands-on learning and environmental action both in and outside the classroom. Schools that meet key criteria can earn the Green Flag award, an internationally recognised symbol of environmental achievement. This award must be renewed every two years.

In 2025, Northern Ireland became the 2nd country in the world to have 50% of schools having an active Green Flag. This is 5 years ahead of the UNESCO target of 50% of schools greened by 2030. 

Congratulations to all schools who helped us achieve this target!

In Northern Ireland, Eco-Schools is run by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, with support from DAERA, local councils, and other partners. Northern Ireland is part of an international network of 83 countrues, nearly 14 million pupils, 52,500 schools all working towards the same goals. Northern Ireland was the first country to award a Green Flag—in 1994 to Downpatrick Nursery. The 1000th Green Flag was awarded to Walker Memorial Primary School in 2017. All schools in Northern Ireland are now registered in the programme.

This great video from Malaysia Eco-Schools perfectly explains the international 7 step Eco-Schools structure: