Students from Solihull schools attended climate action events in the Council Chamber, alongside the Leader of the Council and the Mayor of Solihull, as they continue to champion climate change action.
The model COP 30 summit saw secondary schools across the borough bring UN-style global climate negotiations to Solihull. Six schools participated in the seventh annual Solihull Schools Climate Conference, which was hosted by Solihull Council in partnership with InterClimate Network (ICN).
The day gave young people the opportunity to explore and engage with climate change on a global scale, debating and negotiating on climate issues inspired by the COP30 that took place in Belém, with students splitting into teams to represent the nations at the conference in Brazil and debate their country’s progress, potential actions and what steps they could take to limit global warming. Councillor Andy Mackiewicz held a Question session Time after the Model COP and a number of schools presented their sustainability activities, before the Leader said a few words to conclude the event.
This great work was continued at the Greener Solihull Schools Awards 2025, which celebrated Solihull schools’ outstanding commitment to sustainable and greener practices, challenging pupils and teachers to learn more about the environment, while allowing them to take action to make their school more eco-friendly – thinking globally while acting locally.
The event began with an introduction from the Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Annette Mackenzie, who highlighted the importance of young people to experience a taste of global decision making and leadership. It also featured performances, discussion, and interactive sessions, as pupils shared the sustainability activities taking place and climate change actions planned. The supporting businesses helped the children in their school groups to write short pitches that they presented by reading them out over the Chamber microphones, before the Mayor of Solihull then presented the winning schools with their awards.
Leader of Solihull Council, Councillor Karen Grinsell said:
“It was fantastic to see our young people recognised and celebrated at the climate change action events that recently took place in the Council Chamber.
“At the model COP30 summit I saw first-hand how engaged and enthusiastic the children were in debating local and global environmental issues. It was great to talk to them about what we do as a Council to help our environment, and their commitment to local actions that can be part of a global solution to the problem was impressive. So, a big well done, and congratulations to all the children from the schools involved!
“I would like to thank the range of local businesses who have once again shown their dedication and commitment by sponsoring the Greener Solihull School Awards and supporting their respective schools in achieving their awards.”
The Mayor of Solihull, Cllr Annette Mackenzie, added:
"I was delighted to welcome students from Solihull Schools to the Council Chamber for the model COP 30 summit and the Greener Schools Awards to highlight the incredible energy, imagination and enthusiasm of our young people across Solihull. From tackling litter to creating bee-friendly spaces, pupils are proving that sustainability can be woven into everyday life.
“With the continued support of our local partners, these programmes are helping schools to make lasting changes that benefit our community and the wider environment, while getting pupils to consider how they can share their solutions to tackle climate issues. I am immensely proud of all the schools involved in these projects and the example that they are setting for us all.
The full list of winners from the Greener Solihull Schools Awards 2025 and their sponsors are as follows:
- Balsall Common Primary School, Level 4, sponsored by Flick Energy Solutions
- Coppice Academy, Level 4, sponsored by Solihull Chamber
- Damson Wood Nursery and Infant School, Level 4, sponsored by National Energy Hub
- Monkspath Junior and Infant School, Level 4, sponsored by Hill & Smith
- Oak Cottage Primary School, Level 4, sponsored by Touchwood
- Peterbrook Primary School, Level 4, sponsored by UB Healthcare
- St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School, Level 4, sponsored by TEL Group
- Bishop Wilson, Level 3, sponsored by Flannery’s
- Forest Oak Primary School, Level 3, sponsored by Flannery’s
- Berskswell Primary School, Level 3, sponsored by Prologis
- Apollo Centre, Level 2, sponsored by TEL Group
- Grace, Level 2, sponsored by TEL Group
- Windy Arbor Primary School, Level 2, sponsored by Birmingham Airport
- Kingshurst Primary School, Level 1, sponsored by Birmingham Airport
To learn more about what Solihull Council is doing to combat climate change and ways you can get involved, sign up to receive updates or take a look at the Your Future Solihull webpages.