Students Lead the Way at The Pinnacle Learning Trust’s Third Annual Eco Conference
Young people from across The Pinnacle Learning Trust (PLT) came together to celebrate sustainability and to raise awareness about the importance of environmental action at the third annual Trust Student and Pupil Eco Conference. The event was held on 22 April 2026 at The Hathershaw College, in recognition of Earth Day and this year’s global theme, Our Power Our Planet.
The event opened with an address from Lewis Entwistle, Assistant Principal for Oldham Sixth Form College (OSFC), who spoke about the importance of Earth Day and our collective responsibility to protect the environment. His message encouraged students to recognise their role in shaping a more sustainable future, aligning with the conference’s focus on empowering young people to take meaningful action.
On the event, Lewis Entwistle said:
Everyone has a contribution to make in the journey towards greater sustainability, and young people are especially good at communicating ideas and finding solutions to problems with an infectious enthusiasm. This was certainly the case today - the room was buzzing with positive actions
A highlight of the day was the collaboration between OSFC T Level Education students and younger pupils from the trust’s primary schools. OSFC students, Amy-Leigh Shepley, Hayden Lindley and Freya Catherall, led an engaging terrarium making workshop, guiding children through the process of creating their own miniature ecosystems. The activity not only sparked creativity but also helped pupils understand the delicate balance of natural environments.
Hathershaw College and OSFC eco representatives took part in a workshop led by representatives from Willmott Dixon. The session began with an informative talk introducing the company, outlining their work and the steps they are taking to reduce environmental impact within the construction industry. Students then applied this knowledge in a hands-on activity, developing their own environmental awareness campaigns aimed at inspiring change within their communities.
The conference concluded with closing remarks that reinforced the importance of continued action and collaboration. Prices were handed out to students and pupils to celebrate their ideas and campaign strategies, as judged and awarded by PLT partner, Churchill Cleaning. Participants were then invited to take part in a climate pledge, committing to adopt more sustainable habits and advocate for environmental responsibility in their daily lives.
The event was hosted and organised by Trust Head of Estates, and Sustainability Lead, Joe Donnelly, whose coordination brought together students of all ages in a shared mission to learn, collaborate, and act on climate issues. The conference once again demonstrated the trust’s commitment to empowering young people to become informed and active stewards of the planet.
Joe Donnelly remarked
This year's Eco Conference was another really enjoyable event that brought together those with a passion for sustainability from across the trust with our partners and suppliers that share this passion. I believe that the activities that were delivered at the conference will have a lasting impact, not only on those that attended, but with the wider trust community, so watch this space… I would like to extend a massive thank you to all those that were able to attend but especially our T Level Education Students from OSFC, the Willmott Dixon Social Value Team and Churchill’s Services Ltd
Eco Conference 2026
