Cardross Primary School has made history by becoming the first Primary School in the world to achieve Bronze Carbon Literate Educator status.

The award recognises the school’s commitment to embedding accredited Carbon Literacy training across its staff team, while also supporting pupils to achieve certified Carbon Literate status.

This world-first milestone follows partnership working through the Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network (ABCAN), coordinated by Argyll Countryside Trust (ACT), alongside The Carbon Literacy Project and Argyll and Bute Council.

With this recognition, Cardross Primary now stands alongside major universities that have achieved Carbon Literate Educator status, including De Montfort University, Loughborough University, the University of the Arts London and The Open University.

The award was formally presented by Jackie Baillie MSP on Wednesday 18th February at Hermitage Academy in Helensburgh. The event also celebrated pupil Carbon Literacy certification, marked the launch of the Future Learning Pathways resource, and highlighted the growing connection between education and climate-ready career pathways across Argyll and Bute.

What partners said:

Jackie Baillie, MSP

“It was a pleasure to present this award and recognise the leadership shown by Cardross Primary School.

By ensuring both staff and pupils are Carbon Literate, the school is embedding climate awareness at the heart of education. This is a forward-looking approach that supports young people to understand the challenges ahead while giving them the confidence to be part of the solution.”

Kelly Girling, Head Teacher, Cardross Primary School

“We are incredibly proud to become the first Primary School in the world to achieve Carbon Literate Educator status.

This recognition reflects the dedication of our staff and the enthusiasm of our pupils, who have embraced Carbon Literacy with curiosity and commitment. Climate education at Cardross is embedded in how we think, learn and make decisions as a school community.

We hope our journey encourages other schools to see what is possible when knowledge is matched with action.”

Jamie Joyce, Climate Manager and Carbon Literacy Trainer, ACT

“This award represents a huge amount of work and effort from the Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network team and the staff and pupils at Cardross Primary School. The Scottish Government funds the Climate Action Hubs to deliver real positive change for communities the length and breadth of Scotland and I feel this award reflects the true spirit of collaboration to see long term and tangible success.

 This award is a world first though it also marks a chance to evidence Hub impact and how we can use this opportunity to launch broader success across the authority.”

Rebecca Stacey, Schools Coordinator, The Carbon Literacy Project

“Becoming the World’s First Primary Carbon Literacy Educator is a huge achievement for Cardross Primary, and we are in awe of the commitment and support from everyone involved. Being Carbon Literate will have a huge impact on the school, its pupils and the community around them as they demonstrate their ambition to reduce carbon emissions and take tangible actions with real commitment to a sustainable future.”

Councillor Kieron Green, Policy Lead for Education, Argyll and Bute Council

“This is an outstanding achievement for Cardross Primary School and a milestone for Argyll and Bute. Becoming the first primary school in the world to secure Carbon Literate Educator status shows what can be accomplished when ambition, collaboration and a commitment to our young people come together.

By empowering pupils with the knowledge and skills to understand and respond to climate change, Cardross Primary is helping to build a confident, climate‑ready generation. We are incredibly proud of the school’s leadership and of the partnership working with Argyll Countryside Trust (ACT) that has made this possible. Well done to everyone involved.”

Building a Climate Ready Region

This achievement reflects wider collaboration across Argyll and Bute involving the Council, the Climate Change Board, the Community Planning Partnership and local partners working towards a Climate Ready Region.

It’s a strong example of what can be achieved when education, community and climate partners work together, and of how local leadership can have global significance.

Interested in Carbon Literacy training?

ACT is a Gold Level Carbon Literate Organisation and delivers accredited Carbon Literacy training across Argyll and Bute.

If your school or organisation would like to explore Carbon Literacy training, contact our accredited Carbon Literacy Trainer, Jamie at [email protected].

Main banner photograph: Cardross Primary School teaching staff receiving Carbon Literate Educator Award (L-R: Jamie Joyce (ACT), Jackie Baillie MSP, Kelly Girling (Cardross Primary), Nick Henry (Cardross Primary), Lindsey Young (ACT)