Royal Hospital School Hosts Green Skills Summit to Empower Young Climate Leaders
The Royal Hospital School proudly hosted the 2025 Green Skills Summit on Friday 10 October, welcoming Years 8 and 9 pupils from ten local schools for an immersive day of climate-focused learning and debate.
The event brought to life a UN-style climate negotiation, encouraging pupils to engage in critical thinking, collaboration, and meaningful discussion on global environmental challenges. Set in the school’s Assembly Hall and Jellicoe Room, the Summit was designed to inspire the next generation of change-makers while highlighting green skills and future-focused career pathways.
Participating schools included Claydon High School, Ipswich High School, Stour Valley Community School, Debenham High School, Holbrook Academy, Stowmarket High School, Stradbroke High School, Finborough School, East Bergholt High School, and Thomas Gainsborough School.
The Royal Hospital School was pleased to be joined by key representatives from Babergh and Mid Suffolk Councils, as well as a number of industry professionals and local councillors, who shared valuable insights with students throughout the day. Attendees included:
- Andy Mellen, Suffolk County Councillor (Green Party)
- John Ward, Leader of Babergh District Council
- Ella Shuttleworth, Sustainability Manager,Morgan Sindall
- Kate Dixon, Head of Sustainability, Muntons PLC
- Leanne Tipple, Head of Environment, Taylor Woodrow
Headmaster at RHS, Irfan Latif, commented on the event saying:
'The Green Skills Summit was a fantastic opportunity to bring young people together to explore the big questions facing our planet. We were delighted to host such an engaging and collaborative event that connected education with real-world environmental leadership. Our thanks go to the schools, councillors, and professionals who made the day such a success.'
The event also celebrated RHS’s recent achievement of the Secondary Geography Quality Mark (2025–2028), an internationally recognised award for excellence in geography education and the delivery of high-quality, thought-provoking learning experiences.
The Green Skills Summit forms part of RHS’s broader commitment to environmental education, community outreach, and preparing pupils with the skills, confidence and vision to shape a more sustainable future.
October 2025