Got a query about the Eco-Schools programme in Scotland?

If so, our Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs) page is here to help. Use the links below to find what you need.

If you STILL can't find the answer, please email us and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

1. How do I register?
Please check our list of registered schools to see if your school is already registered. If it's not, you can register using our online registration form.

2. Can nurseries do Eco-Schools? What about secondary schools or special schools?
Absolutely. Eco-Schools is designed so that anyone from the ages of 3-18 can take part. Nursery establishments must, however, be following the Curriculum for Excellence if they want to take part.

3. I operate a creche facility - would Eco-Schools be suitable?
The Eco-Schools programme is closely tied to the curriculum, and as such, would not suit a creche facility

4. Our school's contact details have changed - what should I do?
Please email us with your new details.

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1. How do I apply for a Bronze or Silver award?
You can do this online, on on paper. Please visit our Awards information page to find out more.

2. Do we have to get our Bronze and Silver Awards before applying for a Green Flag Award ?
No, but we strongly recommend that you do. Working your way through the three levels is a very useful way of ensuring that your Eco-Schools knowledge is thoroughly embedded across the whole school; an essential part of Green Flag Award accreditation.

3.Do we have to do all ten Eco-Schools Scotland topics to earn Green Flag Award status?
No. You must do the Environmental Review for all ten topics, but you need only focus on three topics every time you renew your Green Flag Award. One must be Litter, the other two are up to you - and the results of your Review should help you to identify what these could be. You can find out more about the Topic requirements for Green Flag Award status here.

4. How do we apply for Green Flag Award status?
Please see our Green Flag Award information page for full details regarding this.

5. What happens if my Green Flag application arrives at your office incomplete?
You will receive a letter from us detailing what is missing and we will give you one month to send it in. See our Green Flag Award information page for full details of what happens next if we have not heard from you by the specified date.

6. What happens on a Green Flag Award assessment visit?
Please visit our Green Flag information page to find out more about this.

7. We got our Green Flag Award last week but our name is not on the website yet - why?
Our website statistics are updated once a month - please check again in a couple of weeks.

8. How often do I need to renew my Green Flag Award?
Every two years. Find out more on the Green Flag Award information page.

9.Do we need planning permission to fly a Green Flag?
In some local authorities this may be required. Please check with your local planning department. PPP schools may need to negotiate with caretakers.

10.We've lost our award certificate - can you send a replacement?
No problem. Please email us, and one will be sent out to you within two weeks.

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1. What's happening to the Eco-Schools Scotland Grant Award scheme?

Formerly, schools that had achieved an Eco-Schools award at Bronze, Silver or Green Flag level were entitled to apply for a one-off Eco-Schools Scotland Grant - supported by the Scottish Government - of £100. This Grant Programme was withdrawn on 31st March 2011.

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1. Can you send me a replacement Eco-Schools Guide?
No need - the Guides are available to download free of charge from our website.

2. Can you send me extra copies of the Eco-Schools Scotland DVD?
Again, no need - our DVD is now online.

3. Can Eco-Schools Scotland supply my school with recycling bins?
No, unfortunately this is not something we are able to do. Please contact your local authority in the first instance.

4. We've earned our Green Flag! Where can we get a flagpole?
A list of flagpole suppliers is available here. Some schools have been successful in approaching local businesses for funds to help with the cost of a flagpole. Developers sometimes fly flags at new housing developments and schools could try approaching them for ‘second-hand’ poles. Our flags are 1.9m wide and 1.2m high.

5. Can I order a replacement Green Flag?
Yes. Replacements are available at a cost of £26.50 (excluding VAT). This charge covers the cost of producing and storing extra flags and ensures that every initial awarded flag remains free of charge. Please remember that your old flag can be sent back to the manufacturer to be recycled. Email us to place your order.

6. Are Eco-Schools Scotland Green Flags sustainably produced?
Yes. Our Green Flags are made in the UK by a company called Bannerbox using a closed-loop production system, which means nothing goes to waste. Since they are made of polyester fibre, flags which are damaged or old can be sent back to Bannerbox to be recycled into new flags.

7. Can I use the Eco-Schools logo on my flyer/pamphlet/signage?
The Eco-Schools logo - and all associated branding - is owned by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). As such, only FEE members (i.e. Keep Scotland Beautiful) are permitted to use the Eco-Schools standard logo. Once a school has earned their first Green Flag, they are permitted to use the Eco-Schools Award Logo on their stationery, website and signage.

Scottish local authorities who wish to use the logo on materials for schools in their area should contact the Eco-Schools Scotland team. Commercial organisations are not permitted to use the Eco-Schools standard logo for any purpose.

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1. Where can I find out more about the international Eco-Schools programme?
Please visit the International Eco-Schools site for full details, including information on the International Linking Project.

2. What does FEE stand for?
FEE stands for the Foundation for Environmental Education, who run the Eco-Schools programme, as well as the Blue Flag for beaches, Green Key and Young Reporters for the Environment initiatives.

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1. I've got an interesting article for your newsletter! Who do I tell?
Please email us and tell us all about it.

2. Will Eco-Schools Scotland promote my product?
Since Eco-Schools is a programme of FEE, and is primarily funded in Scotland by the Scottish Government, it is not possible for us to promote one commercial product over another. We are, however, happy to promote relevant resources that are free of charge to schools. Please contact us to discuss further.

3. Can someone from Eco-Schools Scotland come to my school to give a presentation?
Unfortunately, we do not have the staff resource to accommodate this, however, we do have contacts in most local authorities who would be happy to speak on a variety of topics. Please contact them in the first instance.

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