Chester Schools Sustainability Network
Empowering young people and educators in Cheshire and Wirral to take action on sustainability.
Chester Schools Sustainability Network brings together secondary schools across Cheshire and the Wirral to give young people a voice and the tools they need to make real change.
Together with teachers, we explore pressing topics such as climate anxiety, sparking curiosity, and making sustainability relevant in everyday school life.
We ask questions like:
- How can sustainability topics help students develop communication and leadership skills?
- How can we weave sustainability into the curriculum in a meaningful way?
This is a space for collaboration between teaching professionals and Chester Zoo’s education team - where ideas grow into action to allow student-led sustainability initiatives to take place in network schools.
Our objectives
Our objectives include:
To give young people a platform to speak about conservation and sustainability in their schools.
Support students to take practical steps towards making their schools more sustainable.
Help teachers embed sustainability into the curriculum and lead by example through sustainable actions.
What we offer
We offer:
Support in planning and delivering sustainability projects in your school.
A place at Chester Zoo Takeover Day for Chester SSN students to share their sustainability messages.
Access to the Chester Zoo Teacher Network
Opportunities for students (16+) to take part in our Level 3 Environmental Leadership Course (UCAS points awarded).
A chance for students to attend and present their projects at Chester Zoo’s Youth Summit.
What is Chester Zoo’s role in the network?
Empowering people is at the heart of our education division. We want to equip students and teachers with the skills, opportunities and motivation to act for a sustainable future.
Our role will be to facilitate meetings both in the zoo and online. We will provide a supportive and encouraging network where teachers can share their experiences.
Your commitment
• Check the calendar and ensure a school representative can attend key events. (Students as well as teachers)
• Share your experience - bring examples of sustainability projects that have worked well in your school.
• Plan for the year ahead - identify sustainability goals for your school, decide how students will lead, and set clear outcomes to achieve by year’s end.
CALENDAR 2025/2026
Informal meeting – follow up from the career day and final preparations for Youth Summit
Date: November 6, 4:15pm - 4:45pm
Location: Virtual
Attending: Teachers and students
Chester Zoo’s Youth Summit
Date: November 8, 9am - 3:30pm, with optional networking and a pub quiz 4pm - 6pm
Location: The Square, Chester Zoo
Attending: Teachers and students
We are inviting young people 16-35 years old, from across the country to share their experiences, knowledge, and passion for nature and conservation.
This year's theme is "Getting into conservation" and we would love to hear your stories about your careers, who inspires you, and how you found your path in the conservation world.
Registration cost includes entry to Chester Zoo, access to incredible workshops, presentations, guest speakers, lunch, and refreshments.
School’s update meeting - an opportunity to share your progress.
Date: December 8, 1:45pm - 3pm
Location: Virtual
Attending: Teachers and students
Teacher’s discussion - a chance to share experiences with your colleagues.
Date: January 9, 4:15pm - 5pm
Location: Virtual
Attending: Teachers
Informal meeting to keep us all up to date.
Date: February 26, 4:15pm - 5pm
Location: Virtual
Attending: Teachers and students
School’s update meeting - an opportunity to share progress.
Date: March 11, 1:45pm - 3pm
Location: Virtual
Attending: Teachers and students
Informal meeting for teachers and students.
Date: April 29, 4:15pm - 5pm
Location: Virtual
Attending: Teachers and students
School’s update meeting - an opportunity to share progress
Date: May 21, 1:45pm - 3:pm
Location: Virtual
Attending: Teachers and students
One full day in person planning day
Topics included:
• Leading on sustainable actions
• Outdoor learning tools
• Climate Action Plans
• Planning for next year
Date: June 19, 10am - 2pm
Location: Chester Zoo
Attending: Teachers and students
Informal meeting – preparing for takeover day
Date: June 30, 4:15pm - 5pm
Location: Virtual
Attending: Teachers and students
Schools' Takeover Day
Date: To be confirmed
Location: Chester Zoo
Attending: Teachers and students