The funding will support a series of eco-projects delivered over the next 18 months by the school in partnership with the whole community, and culminating in an eco-fair at the school Barnfield site next summer.

The joint project with Crediton Town Council and Sustainable Crediton, newly christened the “QE Crediton Community Collective”, aims to strengthen local engagement, broaden opportunities for young people, and support the community’s shared environmental and sustainability goals.

Residents, local groups and community members will be invited to contribute ideas for projects. Early suggestions include swapping baby clothes, making “bug hotels” for sale at the farmers' market, and creating a “museum of useless objects” to inspire conversations about waste and reuse.

Tamlyn Fraiquin, QE Community and Inclusion Worker who applied for the grant said: “This funding will allow us to not only support our school and community become more sustainable, but to bring together young people, the Town Council and Sustainable Crediton to make a meaningful impact across the entire community. We’re excited to see what we can achieve together.”

This work will build on the school’s commitment to sustainability and focus on eco-friendly initiatives in recent years. In 2024 the schools eco-club was launched by science teachers Miss Mercer and Miss Owen to inspire a love of the natural world and empower pupils with the skills and understanding to tackle important environmental challenges such as climate change.

In 2024 a group of sixth form students launched a now much-loved second-hand school uniform store to reduce waste and cut the school’s carbon footprint. This was followed in 2025 by Year 10 students launching “Pre-Loved Prom”, a prom-outfit rental service.

Paula Smith, Headteacher at Queen Elizabeth’s School said: “We’re thrilled to have secured this valuable funding, recognising our school’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement. This offers us a wonderful opportunity to work even more closely with our students, the council and local community to shape positive outcomes for our town. A huge thankyou to Tamlyn and everyone involved in making this possible.”

If anyone has any ideas for future projects or wants to get involved, please get in touch at tellus@qe.devon.sch.uk

Photos courtesy of Will Goddard, Crediton Courier 

Students and staff from Queen Elizabeth’s School, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, have been celebrating exceptional GCSE results today (22nd August.)

Students and staff at Queen Elizabeth's School, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, have been celebrating exceptional A Level results today (15th August.)