MCS named Sustainable School of the Year - Oxford Climate Awards 2026

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Sicut Lilium

Like the lily

Our latin motto, still at the heart of our daily philosophy, carries a deep and spiritual meaning. It is an encouragement to flourish and to focus on what matters in life.

We are delighted to have been named Sustainable School of the Year in the Oxford Climate Awards 2026.

Organised by the Oxford Mail and Oxford City Council, the award celebrates our work to champion environmental sustainability and recognises our commitment to educating and empowering the next generation of climate leaders through a wide range of initiatives.

From collecting scientific data from the River Cherwell and leading assemblies to organising events, growing food, monitoring wildlife and representing the school at climate conferences, highlights from the past year include:
Becoming the first Oxfordshire school to join the Friends of the Thames as ‘River Guardians’, monitoring and collecting data from the River Cherwell, which runs beneath Magdalen Bridge.
Hosting OxCOP at Oxford Town Hall, a youth climate conference that brings together pupils in Years 10 to 13 from more than 18 Oxfordshire schools to negotiate climate solutions and develop leadership skills.
Taking part in the 2026 RSPB Big School Birdwatch, installing swift nesting boxes, developing a thriving wildlife pond and creating a dedicated newt rockery using locally sourced Cotswold stone.
Running our first Slow Fashion Show and hosting the Cherwell Collective’s The Carbon Cost of Fashion exhibition.
Embedding sustainability within school planning through the development of a Climate Action Plan and a dedicated Sustainability Working Group, to which pupils contribute.

Lydia Wainwright, Sustainability Lead at MCS, said: “It is an honour to receive this award among so many environmentally committed schools, and a privilege to work alongside the engaged and enthusiastic pupils at MCS. Sustainability is now a visible and meaningful part of everyday life across the school, and it is encouraging to see more and more pupils getting involved. This recognition belongs to them and to the many staff who support their efforts, and we are delighted to see their work acknowledged in this way.”