The Sustainability Learning Conference Northwest 2026
The Sustainability Learning Conference Northwest, on Thursday 25 June 2026 at Ewood Park, Blackburn, was planned as a combined day for primary and secondary schools.
Sustainability Learning CIC planned the conference, with Blackburn Rovers Community Trust as host. The programme brought primary and secondary schools together for one day of workshops, presentations, competitions and marketplace activities.
For primary schools
The programme for Key Stage 2 pupils included workshops, marketplace activities and a Science Boffin presentation. Their competitions included the Zero-Waste Packed Lunch Challenge and poster competition, a sustainability rap competition, and the upcycled garment and Trashion competition (with cash prizes for the winning schools). New for 2026 was a biodiversity and habitat art competition, for which each school's eco-team was asked to research a habitat and its wildlife and create an A3 artwork.
For secondary schools
Key Stage 3 and 4 students could enter a biodiversity and habitat art competition of their own, and a new Trashion competition for garments designed and made before the day, to be shown on the catwalk in the afternoon with primary pupils in the audience. Year 7 and 8 teams were invited to take on the Production Line Challenge, a role-play with a global geography link.
For school staff
Curriculum CPD was offered to teachers, teaching assistants and sustainability leads, and leadership CPD to senior leaders and governors. Forum members provide speakers for the conference CPD sessions, and Glynis Goldsbrough, the Forum's lead, was due to give the first curriculum CPD presentation, "Responsible for saving the Planet!"
The Lancashire Schools Sustainability Forum promotes and supports the conferences planned and delivered by Sustainability Learning CIC. For news of future conferences and bookings, visit the CIC's website: https://sustainabilitylearning.co.uk