Marksbury CofE Primary School near Bath is celebrating a major clean energy milestone after a series of PTA-led projects helped make the school more environmentally sustainable while creating valuable learning opportunities for pupils.
The school has recently completed the installation of a new 10kW solar photovoltaic system with battery storage and has already benefited from the introduction of an air-to-air heat pump heating system.
Both projects were spearheaded by the school’s Parent Teacher Association, which successfully secured funding and community support to bring the improvements to life.
The solar panels were installed during the Easter holidays with support from the Glastonbury Community Fund. The system is expected to save the school more than £2,000 each year on energy bills while significantly reducing carbon emissions over the coming decades.
The project builds on work completed in 2024 when the PTA raised funds to replace the school’s previous heating system with a high-efficiency air-to-air heat pump system. The upgrade has helped reduce energy consumption while maintaining comfortable learning environments for pupils and staff throughout the year.
As well as improving the school’s environmental credentials, the projects have provided practical opportunities for pupils to learn about renewable energy and sustainability.
Matt Jones, a PTA member, said, “It’s fantastic to have worked alongside the school to both make the buildings more sustainable but also involve the pupils in the whole process to understand the importance of clean and renewable energy.”
Head Teacher Mrs Amanda Trim praised the efforts of the PTA and the wider community.
“We’re so grateful for the hard work of the PTA and having the heat pump system, which keeps the pupils and teachers comfortable, while supporting the school’s commitment to environmental responsibility,” she said,
“This has created valuable learning opportunities with pupils taking part in the thermal imaging survey and gaining a deeper understanding of renewables.”
The improvements have been made possible through the determination and fundraising efforts of the PTA, alongside support from a range of local organisations, charities and community funds.
The school has thanked BWCE Community Fund, Chelwood Community Energy Fund, Compton Dando Community Association, Compton Dando Feofees, Enfield Scaffolding, Marksbury Parish Council, Marksbury Ward Councillor Fund, Medlock Charity Trust and Saltford Ward Councillor Fund for helping make the projects possible.
With World Environment Day highlighting the importance of sustainable action, the projects demonstrate how schools and local communities can work together to reduce environmental impact while creating lasting benefits for future generations.
