Climate Minister visits Oasis Academy Oldham to mark one year of the GB Energy Solar Partnership

Climate Minister Katie White MP visited Oasis Academy Oldham this week to celebrate the first anniversary of the GB Energy Solar Partnership, a national programme delivered in collaboration with the Department for Education (DfE) to help schools cut carbon emissions and engage young people in climate action.

The Minister toured the academy between during her visit, meeting students, staff and delivery partners to see first‑hand how the initiative is transforming school buildings and empowering young people to take an active role in sustainability.

During the visit, the Minister viewed the academy’s rooftop solar installation, learned about the academy’s decarbonisation plans, and joined a student workshop exploring clean energy, climate issues and the role of young people in shaping a greener future.

The GB Energy Solar Partnership supports schools across the country by helping them install solar panels, deliver student behavioural‑change programmes, develop decarbonisation plans and improve their building management systems. Together, these measures are reducing the carbon footprint of the education estate while increasing student engagement in climate and clean energy issues.

Oasis Academy Oldham in Manchester, is one of the schools benefitting from the programme, which is helping reduce energy consumption, lower carbon emissions and increase student engagement in environmental issues.

Tariq Mahmood, Principal at Oasis Academy Oldham, said:

“We are incredibly proud to welcome the Climate Minister to Oasis Academy Oldham and to showcase the real, tangible impact of the GB Energy Solar Partnership. Sustainability is not just a policy commitment for us, it’s something our students see, feel and participate in every day.

By combining renewable energy investment with meaningful student engagement, we’re helping young people understand their role in shaping a more sustainable future for their communities.”

Katie White MP, Minister for Climate, said:

“It’s inspiring to see how Oasis Academy Oldham is embracing clean energy and empowering students to take part in climate action. Schools like this show what is possible when government, education and communities work together to reduce emissions and build a greener future.”

Across the Trust, Oasis is working to reduce energy use, lower carbon emissions and prepare young people to navigate the environmental challenges of the future, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility and community stewardship.