Veritas Leads the Way in Sustainability: Kent Primary Schools Unite for Pupil-Led Conference

Veritas Multi Academy Trust (MAT) is proud to announce an exciting sustainability conference, bringing together pupils from seven primary schools across Kent. This pioneering event will see individual school councils showcase their innovative ideas to build greener, more sustainable schools and communities. 

Pupils from each participating school have been working hard on sustainable initiatives – from reducing single-use plastics to creating wildlife-friendly green spaces – and will present their projects and proposals to peers, staff and judging panel, who are also guest speakers for the day:  

Liz Hayes – Youth Engagement Practitioner, Global Action Plan 

Suzie Hammond – Engagement and Behaviour Change Officer for KCC 

The conference requires each school eco-council, who are passionate about their role in sustainability, to plan and present on their sustainable initiative, the successes and challenges they have faced, and importantly the evidence of impact. 

Organised by Simon Haseltine, Chair of Trustees for Veritas MAT and Emma Campbell, Headteacher of Pilgrims’ Way Primary School, the conference is set to inspire and empower the next generation of environmental leaders.  

The event takes place at Birley’s Pavillion & Playing Field in Canterbury, with the event hosted with the kind support of The King’s School, Canterbury.  

All elements of the day, including food, drink and activities throughout the day, will be locally sourced and environmentally friendly. All schools have given consideration to the most sustainable modes of transport to attend the conference with pupils from Mundella Primary School in Folkestone being transported via an electric minibus, courtesy of Barretts Canterbury. 

Simon Haseltine, Chair of Trustees at Veritas Multi Academy Trust, said: 

“We’re incredibly proud of our pupils’ commitment to sustainability. By giving them a platform to share their ideas and learn from one another, we’re nurturing not only environmental awareness, but also essential leadership and collaboration skills. When I became Chair of the Trust Board in 2023, a priority of mine was to empower our young people to think about sustainability. I couldn’t be more delighted to see how far this idea has come and hope it continues for many years to come.” 

“I wish to extend a special thanks to the partnership we have with The King’s School, Canterbury and their support with hosting the event for the day. To our young people for their dedication and to our school council leaders for supporting our next generation of climate activists and to our speakers for engaging in today’s session’. 

The conference will feature: 

• Pupil-led presentations from school eco-councils on their sustainability initiatives 

• Eco problem creative activity  focused on representing the children’s hopes and dreams for a sustainable future 

• Guest speakers to share best practice and inspire further action 

• BBQ and playtime for the pupils to get to know their peers and celebrate a fantastic day. 

The seven participating primary schools, demonstrate the power of collective action in tackling climate change and promoting sustainability in education and include: 

• Pilgrims’ Way Primary School, Canterbury 

• Warden House Primary School, Deal 

• Mundella Primary School, Folkestone 

• Blean Primary School, Canterbury 

• St Peter’s Primary School, Canterbury 

• St John’s Primary School, Canterbury 

• St Stephen’s Junior School, Canterbury 

The event is part of Veritas MAT’s ongoing commitment to embedding sustainability across all aspects of school life. By working together, these schools are setting a shining example for others across the county and beyond. 

Simon Haseltine, Chair of the Trust Board, was awarded the Active Citizenship Teaching (ACT) Award for Innovation for his commitment to sustainability initiatives since joining the Trust, on 3rd June 2025 at the House of Commons. 

For more information, please contact: 
Stephanie Sheppard 
Marketing Lead, Veritas Multi Academy Trust 
[email protected] 

ENDS