Simon Lightman, Head of Philosophy & Religious Studies and Assistant Head of House at King Edward’s School, Witley, has been awarded the Robert J. Jones Award for Environmental Education by the Educators’ Trust. Nominated by Abigail Tinkler, Head of Learning for the Natural Environment at the City of London Corporation, the award recognises Simon’s outstanding leadership in embedding transformative sustainability education across school and civic contexts.
Simon has played a central role in advancing sustainability across the City of London Family of Schools and beyond. He co-founded the Youth Natural Environment Board (YNEB) in partnership with the City of London Corporation, creating a platform for young people to shape environmental governance, engage with decision-makers, and develop the critical skills and civic agency needed to lead change. His work with the University of Surrey’s Institute of Sustainability and other cross-sector partners reflects a commitment to education that is systemic, values-driven, and justice-oriented.
At King Edward’s School, Simon led the school to achieve Eco-Schools Green Flag accreditation in 2024 and established a student-led Eco Committee focused on embedding sustainability into school life through projects on waste, water, energy, and biodiversity. His educational philosophy is rooted in systems thinking and transformative learning, encouraging students to interrogate the social, ethical, and political dimensions of sustainability and to act with compassion, imagination, and purpose.
This national award celebrates Simon’s pioneering contribution to sustainability education and his unwavering belief in the power of young people to shape a more just and sustainable future.
