St Mary’s Primary School in Battersea leads the way on air quality

More than 200 schools across London will be receiving the air filters, including several schools in Wandsworth. The new air filters will improve air quality inside the building by filtering out pollutants, providing cleaner air for all.

St Mary’s RC Primary School, which was recently recognised with an impressive Gold Level Achievement by the Clean Air Schools accreditation programme, has demonstrated consistent dedication to reducing air pollution at the school and in the local area.

Over the last few years, it has been a leader in addressing air quality, organising and engaging in a wide variety of initiatives dedicated to clean air. St Mary’s participated in the Mayor of London’s school air quality audit programme, which helped it to identify effective interventions to improve air quality around the school, including the installation of a green screen.

The school has also held air pollution workshops for students, participated in anti-idling awareness activities asking drivers to turn off their engines while waiting, and has regularly encouraged students to choose active travel when coming to and from school.

Paul White, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “We are very proud of St Mary’s RC Primary School for leading change in the community and for its dedication to creating a better environment for all.

“We are committed to supporting schools in Wandsworth who want to take action on air quality through our Clean Air Schools accreditation programme, and we hope that St Mary’s RC Primary School can inspire other schools in our borough to get involved.”

St Mary’s is home to a School Superzone, aimed at creating a healthier environment, including safer routes for children to travel to school. The school also continues to use bicycles provided by Wandsworth Council to encourage more sustainable travel amongst pupils, parents and staff.

The new air filters, which are funded by the Mayor of London, will be the next step in a continuous journey to improve air quality in classrooms and create a better environment for all.

Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor for Environment & Energy, said: “It was great to visit St Mary’s RC Primary School in Battersea today with the Mayor and see how they are leading the way in improving the air their pupils and teachers breathe.

“The school has already taken many steps to reduce air pollution and these new indoor air quality filters, rolled out as part of the Mayor’s £2.7m programme, have been proven to significantly lower levels of pollution, PM2.5. The filters will help St Mary’s continue to improve their environment as we build a healthier, greener London for all.”

Get involved in the Clean Air Schools accreditation programme

Want your school to take action on air quality? Schools in Wandsworth can sign up to the Clean Air Schools accreditation programme.

The programme helps encourage schools to take action on air quality in their communities and provides accreditation to schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to this goal.

Schools that sign up to the programme will be provided with an air quality assessment, detailed guidance, and information to support their school on their journey to improve air quality.

Learn more about how the council is working to improve air quality in the borough.