The Bloxham Sustainability Challenge (BSC) is connecting schools across the UK with industry partners to explore real-world solutions for climate and environmental challenges. Launched by Bloxham School in partnership with land consultancy Dalcour Maclaren and geospatial specialist Esri UK, the initiative is now in its third year.
The programme gives Year 12 students the chance to address sustainability issues through live briefs mirroring the complexity of professional planning. Schools including Rochdale Sixth Form College, Maidstone Grammar School for Girls and Robert Gordon’s College have already taken part, with students working on challenges that link education, technology and future green careers.
This year’s launch event took place at the Royal Geographical Society in London, bringing together 70 students alongside educators, sustainability professionals and policy voices. The event featured live demonstrations, workshops and networking opportunities, with contributions from Naomi Davis, the Department for Education’s Youth Sustainability Champion.
Claire Evans, Head of Geography at Bloxham School and co-creator of the Challenge, said:
This initiative is all about creating meaningful educational experiences that prepare students for future employment once they complete their studies. Most young people are unaware of the career paths they could be pursuing in sustainability and green jobs of the future, so the BSC helps address this by providing opportunities for highly engaging, student-led learning experiences with a real-world focus.
Alongside mentoring from Dalcour Maclaren and access to geospatial technology from Esri UK, students benefit from insights into the growing demand for green skills. In the UK, job postings in sustainability increased by 9.2% last year, while the global geospatial technology market is projected to reach $31.2 billion by 2030.
Feedback from students shows the impact of the programme. One participant said:
The BSC has given me insight into the complications of establishing new developments, such as considering demand and resources, and balancing the concerns of locals with the needs of a wider population.
As the Bloxham Sustainability Challenge expands, it aims to empower more students with the knowledge and confidence to pursue careers in sustainability and make informed decisions about the environment.
