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A MAT-wide social action webinar sparked a student-led movement that reached the Houses of Parliament.
Year 10 students at Shoreham Academy wanted to do more than just talk about values, they wanted to see them in action.
What they did
Initially, their focus was on environmental sustainability actions, such as beach clean ups, litter picks, rewilding and the planting of trees and hedges.
After a few meetings, this grew into discussing wider issues such as economic inequality and mental health awareness.
With ‘Keep Shoreham Shiny’, students proved they didn’t have to choose between environmental action, social equality, or mental health advocacy. They can champion them all.
In early 2026, Shoreham students contacted their local MP, Tom Rutland and set up a meeting at the Houses of Parliament to discuss their plans.
The impact
Some of the projects to live the ‘Keep Shoreham Shiny’ ethos of sustainability, equality, and community included:
Making bird feeders
With their student council, pupils upcycled plastic bottles into bird feeders. These were placed on trees in the school’s garden to support local wildlife and their ecosystem.
Rewarding student voices
Students spoke with their student council about how to inspire good behaviour across their cohort. They also spoke with one of their pastoral leads to encourage teachers to give out more rewards for good behaviour.
With this help, the Keep Shoreham Shiny crew are accepting feedback from the school community on reward schemes that will motivate students to extend themselves and aspire to act with integrity.
Raising awareness of mental health
Shoreham also worked with Thought-Full, the Mental Health Support Team in Schools, based in West Sussex. Students have been trained by Thought-Full on how to help improve peers’ mental health. Peer-led mental health advocacy helps the trained teaching and pastoral staff to provide support for mental health.
Visible LGBTQ inclusion
Their school has made a conscious effort to support LGBTQ awareness and equality by hanging up LGBTQ identity flags and holding a lunch club on Tuesdays for students to have a comfortable environment to express themselves. The team was recently awarded the ‘Rainbow Flag Award’ by the pride trust for LGBTQ+ inclusion.
How to replicate Shoreham’s success at your setting
- Set up a group of eco-conscious pupils and partner them with your school council (if you have one)
- Discuss potential projects openly with your pupils
- Speak with colleagues, SLT and your site team about quick-win projects that could deliver instant impact
- Contact your local MP to get involved and see your initiatives firsthand
- Research mental health services for schools
You are also welcome to contact Adam Bracey (adam.bracey@shoreham-academy.org) if you would like to know more, or to network with Shoreham Academy.
Want to replicate Shoreham Academy's success?
Take a look at these recommended actions:
Involve learners in increasing your setting's biodiversity
Create opportunities for your children or young people to actively contribute to your setting's biodiversity.
Engage your learners on climate adaptation planning
Include your learners in the development of your climate adaptation planning and goals by actively consulting them and, where appropriate, involving them in the decision-making process. Tailor the level of involvement to be age-appropriate and engaging.