Students chosen to meet Ministers and delegates at COP26 after award-winning international eco work

By Jill Dando News

Jack Clark and Olivia Finch achieved incredible things as Head Boy and Head Girl during their time at Worle Community School Academy, (WCSA) part of The Priory Learning Trust, (TPLT) and have been rewarded by representing the UK at COP26 in Glasgow.

They will travel on Thursday to represent Somerset Climate Justice Network along with 20 other students from around the UK. 

WCSA, based in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset has won UK and international awards for its futuristic eco-work including electric car chargers, bikes, travel to school changes and communications, and installation of 1,132 solar panels.

Jack helped drive the changes by forming his student-led Climate Justice Revolution (CJR) group and by creating The Green Gazette magazine.

Semifinalists in international global competition

WCSA also finished semi-finalists in the international Global Social Leaders competition involving over 600 teams from 105 countries. It was awarded the prestigious Green Flag for its achievements.

Olivia, who is now part of the high-flying TPLT King Alfred School Academy Sixth Form, in Highbridge, said: “We are so excited to be going to COP26. The environment is an urgent global issue and we want to add our weight to make sure action is taken.”

Principal Jacqui Scott said: “Jack and Olivia achieved incredible things during their time at our academy. This is a tremendous opportunity to help with climate change and everyone at our school is right behind them.”

Jack and Olivia will travel with the UK Schools Sustainability Network (UKSSN) and Global Action Plan (GAP). 

Interviewing Fiona Bruce, James Cracknell and NASA astronaut

Olivia was one of the founding members of the school’s Jill Dando News Centre in 2017, while Jack was the environment editor inspiring dozens of others young people to the cause.

They have interviewed many famous people including the BBC’s Fiona Bruce, Olympic champion rower James Cracknell, various politicians, and NASA astronaut Doug Wheelock. 

Olivia also scripted, produced and presented a news piece for BBC Points West on the anniversary of Jill Dando‘s death.