Becoming a Fairtrade School

The Fairtrade Schools scheme has now been running for over two years and is well established with almost 3,000 primary and secondary schools registered. Fairtrade is a growing movement that is changing the lives of millions of farmers all over the world and offering them a more sustainable livelihood, whilst giving young people here in the UK a sense that they are contributing to real change.

The Fairtrade Schools scheme not only offers schools a prestigious award; its emphasis on understanding global issues and taking action to fight poverty and inequality fits well with the ‘Global Dimension’ doorway of the Sustainable Schools Strategy as well as some of the criteria for ‘Every Child Matters’, most notably: ‘Make a Positive Contribution’.

What is a Fairtrade School?

A Fairtrade School is one that has set up a steering group consisting of at least 50% pupils, has written a Fairtrade Policy which is signed by the Headteacher and at least one pupil, uses Fairtrade products as far as possible within the school, learns about Fairtrade and how it fits into wider global issues, and promotes Fairtrade in the school and the wider community.

Support and Resources

There are lots of resources to help schools achieve the Five Goals and you can begin your journey towards becoming a Fairtrade school by perusing the website at www.fairtrade.org.uk/schools. This explains what the scheme is about and directs you towards further support and resources.

As well as a downloadable introductory PowerPoint presentation, and a comprehensive Action Guide (which is also available free in print form) the site offers a list of organizations and their websites where you can find support in the form of downloadable classroom resources, speakers etc.

Support Network

There is also a Support Network of professional development educationalists who can help you or put you in touch with someone locally who can offer you help.

For general resources on Fairtrade, including merchandise for your events, quizzes, banners, producer profiles, films, photos and reports, go to www.fairtrade.org.uk/resources.

Sourcing Fairtrade Products

There are numerous ways of introducing Fairtrade products into the school – in the staff room, the school canteen, the after-school tuck shop, at parents’ evenings and at special celebrations. You can even use Fairtrade footballs or buy uniforms made from Fairtrade cotton!

For information about sourcing Fairtrade products go to www.fairtrade.org.uk/products where you will find information on the wide range of Fairtrade products now available and a list of wholesale suppliers and caterers by region.

How to Apply

Once registered, schools can begin uploading evidence for each of the Fairtrade goals, and submit their application to an assessor. Schools will never ‘fail’ but they may be asked to send some additional evidence to support their application.

Once schools have achieved Fairtrade School status, they will be sent a certificate and the colourful ‘We are a Fairtrade School’ logo for use on their stationery and website.

For more information, or to register for the Fairtrade Schools scheme please visit www.fairtrade.org.uk/schools or email schools@fairtrade.org