NEWS Coventry City Council launches green skills initiative
Students in Coventry are invited to take part in a one-of-a-kind initiative helping them to embrace sustainability, boost their qualifications and develop the green skills needed to support the future world of work. The Bloxham Sustainability Challenge (BSC) is being rolled out to over 129 schools and colleges in the region this year, with Coventry City Council committing to pay the exam entry for every participant meaning there is no additional cost to families.
Combining classroom learning with real environmental consultancy projects, the BSC aims to empower the next generation to tackle real world climate issues and build industry- grade digital skills.
Projects range from planning onshore wind farms and large-scale reservoir developments to mapping underground cable routes for proposed solar parks.
Once completed, the challenge awards students the Pearson-accredited EPQ pathway in Geospatial Innovation - equivalent to half an A-level - and strengthens future UCAS and apprenticeship applications.
Delivered with Dalcour Maclaren, an award-winning land and environmental consultancy and Esri, the global leader in GIS technology, the BSC uses the free ArcGIS for Schools online platform, whilst also providing a supporting webinar series and GIS mentors from Dalcour Maclaren for every participating school.
Initially launched by Bloxham School in Oxfordshire in 2023, the BSC also helps schools to meet policy goals around incorporating climate education into their curriculum and supports the UK government’s plans to transition to net zero.
The rollout in Coventry marks the largest intake of schools embracing the BSC and further supports the demand for green careers both locally and on a national level.
Coventry City Council says the partnership will help make sustainability a visible, everyday part of learning across the city. Andrew Dowling, Service Manager, Outdoor Education Service at Coventry City Council, said: “The Bloxham Sustainability Challenge provides an engaging and practical framework that enables pupils to explore real-world sustainability issues, develop problem-solving skills and understand their role in creating positive environmental change. Its
integration into Coventry schools supports our wider ambition to embed sustainability across education in a way that is meaningful, curriculum- aligned and accessible to teachers and learners.
“This work reflects the strength of partnership working across the city and our shared commitment to preparing young people for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
“I look forward to seeing the impact it has across Coventry schools and to continuing our work with partners who share our vision for a more sustainable future.”
Claire Evans, Head of Geography at Bloxham School and Co-Creator of the BSC, said: “We’re exceptionally grateful to Coventry City Council for helping us open the Bloxham Sustainability Challenge to every student who wants to take part. The power of this programme is its project-based assessment - authentic briefs, real-world challenges and teamwork - delivered like an industry placement in the classroom. “With Pearson’s EPQ accreditation now in place, students earn recognition worth half an A-level while building the green, digital and professional skills that employers value.”
Teachers, students and parents can register interest now via this link: u
https://forms.office.com/e/iy2TZcAJzK
ParentPay Group to help schools maximise income with new acquisition
ParentPay Group, a leading provider of software and payment solutions for schools, has completed its acquisition of School Hire Lettings Limited (SchoolHire).
SchoolHire provides a specialist online booking and payment platform that enables schools and other educational organisations to efficiently manage the hire of facilities such as sports halls, astro-pitches, swimming pools, and meeting spaces. The platform helps schools maximise the utilisation of their assets while simplifying administration and improving the experience for customers.
The acquisition extends ParentPay Group’s existing ecosystem of education-focused software and payment solutions. Commenting on the acquisition, Lewis Alcraft, Chief Executive, at ParentPay Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome SchoolHire to
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www.education-today.co.uk
ParentPay Group. Schools are under constant pressure to do more with less and are looking for smarter ways to make the most of their resources. SchoolHire reduces booking and payment complexity, helping schools to unlock value for themselves and the wider community, through easy access to their sports halls, pitches, and wider facilities.” Charlie Gothold and David Nevies, joint founders of SchoolHire, who will remain with the business, added: “Joining ParentPay Group marks an exciting next step for SchoolHire. Our focus remains on delivering a high- quality booking and payment experience for schools and their customers, and we believe that being part of a larger education technology group will allow us to accelerate product development and reach even more schools.”
May 2026
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