Overview

This bill mandates the integration of climate change and sustainability education into the curricula of primary, secondary, and vocational schools in England and Wales. It aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and address the climate emergency.

Description

The Climate Education Bill amends existing legislation to require all maintained schools (state schools) in England to include education on the climate and ecological emergency, climate justice, nature, sustainability, and the need to reach net-zero carbon emissions. This will be incorporated into existing curriculum requirements. The bill similarly compels independent and academy schools to meet a new standard of climate education within their curriculum. Failure to meet this standard could impact their status and/or charitable status. The bill also requires further education corporations to consider including climate-related learning in vocational courses, with guidance to be provided by the Secretary of State.

Specific Amendments:

• Amends the Education Act 2002 to explicitly include climate and ecological emergency and climate justice in the curriculum.
• Amends the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2010 to introduce a new standard for climate education in independent schools.
• Directs further education corporations to consider integrating climate change education into vocational courses.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify direct government spending figures. However, implementation will likely involve costs associated with curriculum development, teacher training, and potentially resource provision for schools.

Groups Affected

• Schools (maintained, independent, academy): Required to implement changes to their curriculum, potentially requiring teacher training and resource allocation.
• Teachers: Will need to adapt their teaching practices and potentially undergo additional training.
• Students: Will receive mandatory education on climate change and sustainability.
• Further education institutions: Will need to consider the integration of climate-related topics into vocational courses.
• Independent schools: Risk of losing charitable status or other regulatory sanctions if they fail to meet the new climate education standard.

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