Introduction
The Eco-Schools programme in Scotland is part of the international environmental education programme coordinated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and managed in Scotland by Keep Scotland Beautiful.

Secondary schools have always been welcome to participate in the Eco-Schools programme and many have gone on to achieve Green Flag status - some having obtained multiple Green Flag Awards.

Secondary age pupils are extremely enthusiastic about environmental and sustainability issues as several recent surveys have proven. “The Future Leaders Survey” (UCAS 2007) found that of the 54,240 young people who replied 55% were ‘more concerned’ about the environment, 62% expect to walk or cycle to work instead of traveling by car in future “for environmental reasons”. 70-80% said environmental concerns would influence the way they vote and their choice of car, while 40-50% affirmed that such concerns would influence their choice of career and the organisation they would like to work for.

The ethos of the Eco-Schools programme clearly supports the aim that cross-curricular themes of international awareness, citizenship and sustainable development education ensure that young people develop attitudes that demonstrate respect for the environment and different cultures and traditions, and in so doing, become more tolerant and understanding individuals.

Eco-Schools and Self-Evaluation
The Eco-Schools programme provides a structured context for schools to self-evaluate their approach to Sustainable Development Education (SDE) with self-assessed accreditation at Bronze and Silver levels. The prestigious Eco-Schools ‘Green Flag’ Award is only granted following a visit from external assessors. This aspect supports recent developments within HMIe whose pre-inspection reports now ask schools about their involvement with SDE, Eco-Schools and other environmental awards. (Extracts from recent secondary school HMIe reports are available in Secondary Appendix 4.)

In addition, the main Eco-Schools guide details how the outcomes of the Eco-Schools programme strongly support the outcomes of HMIe’s ‘Journey to Excellence' for all levels of education, particularly the secondary sector.