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 pre-5 curriculum 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?
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?
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 accreditation.

3.Do we have to do all nine Eco-Schools Scotland topics to earn a first Green Flag?
No. You must do the Environmental Review for all nine topics, but you need only focus on three topics for your first Flag's Action Plan. 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. Schools are expected to take on more of the nine Topics as they progress towards Second/Third/Fourth Flag status. Please see our topic 'pyramid' for an overview of how this could be done.

4. What do I need to submit for a Green Flag application?
There are four things you need to send in to us: answers to the Twelve Questions, your completed Environmental Review, your Action Plan and your Eco Code. From January 2009, we will be asking our secondary schools to include a Curricular Audit.

If you are applying for a Second, Third or Fourth Flag, there are supplementary questions for you to answer. Full details can be found on our Green Flag information page. You will receive a reminder several months before your renewal is due. Please send two copies of everything to our head office.

5. What happens if my first 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. If we have not heard from you by the specified date, your application will be returned to you.

6. What happens if my Second/Third/Fourth 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. If we have not heard from you by the specified date, we will telephone you to discuss the way forward.

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

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

9. How often do I need to renew my Green Flag award?
Every two years until you have earned four Flags. You are then considered to have Permanent Green Flag status.

10.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.

11.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. We got a £100 grant after earning our Bronze award - can we reapply now that we have earned Silver?
No. The grant award is, unfortunately, limited to a one-off payment of £100 to each school.

2. We've applied for a £100 grant for our school and have not received it yet - why is this?                                                                                                                  Funding for the grant programme is provided by the Scottish Government and is given to Keep Scotland Beautiful on a quarterly basis to distribute to schools. The programme is very popular, and we receive many more applications each quarter than we can pay.

There may, therefore, be a significant delay between receipt of your application and the issue of a cheque to your school. We will, however, keep you informed if this is likely to be the case.

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1. Can you send me a replacement Eco-Schools Guide?
Our new Guide is now available in CD-ROM format. We have moved to CD-ROM format, because it is 'greener', easier to produce and store in large quantities, and more easily updated when new information becomes available. A copy of the Guide has now been sent to all of our registered schools, and is available to download free of charge from our website.

2. Can you send me extra copies of the Eco-Schools Scotland DVD?
Absolutely. In order to keep these in stock, we charge a nominal fee of £2.50 per copy. Email us to order your copy.

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.

5. Can I order a replacement Green Flag?
Yes. Replacements are available at a cost of £31.14 (including 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 Scotland by a company called Hi-Fli 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 Hi-Fli 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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