Schools Start To See Benefits of GBESP
Schools are already beginning to see the impact of the Great British Energy Solar Partnerships (GBESP), with solar panels now installed at our first site to cut bills and reinvest savings back into education.
Christ the King Roman Catholic Primary School in Salford is among the first schools to benefit
Diocese of Salford said:
"We are delighted to see Christ the King leading and benefitting from the GBESP programme. This initiative builds upon the Diocese's ongoing efforts utilise sustainability funding to provide solar PV across our school estate. The solar installation at Christ the King not only contributes to a more sustainable future but also serves as a practical example for our students, of the importance of environmental stewardship and caring for our common home."
Headteacher Nicola Malone shared:
“We are very proud that Christ the King is benefitting from the Great British Energy Solar Partnership programme. The solar installation will make a lasting difference for our school, whilst showing our children the value of sustainability and emphasising our shared responsibility for the world around us.”
By generating their own clean, homegrown energy, schools like Christ the King are reducing costs, increasing resilience, and providing real-life examples of sustainability for pupils.
With more installations planned over the autumn, the programme is helping ensure that savings can be redirected into frontline education, from textbooks and teaching to wider enrichment opportunities.
Please see the link below to the full press release from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)
Great British Energy solar panels cut bills for NHS and schools - GOV.UK
New GBESP Website Has Been Launched
We are pleased to share that a new website has been developed to provide an overview of the Great British Energy Solar Partnerships (GBESP) and to share regular updates as the programme progresses. The site also hosts all communication resources, making it easy for schools to access materials to share with parents, students, and staff.
The website is password protected to ensure content is only accessible to participating schools.
You can log in using the following details:
Website: gbenergysolarpartnership.org/south
Password: gbesp_s25
New Resources to Share with your School Community
We are pleased to advise that a suite of additional communications has been prepared to support schools in raising awareness of the programme with key stakeholder groups, including parents, students, and staff.
These resources are intended to facilitate wider engagement and to ensure consistent messaging across the programme.
In addition to written materials, short videos have also been developed. We encourage schools to share these with stakeholders in whichever way they consider most effective, whether through assemblies, parent communications, internal staff briefings, or digital platforms.
We also kindly request that the accompanying posters are downloaded and displayed prominently around the school site to reinforce awareness and visibility.
Please click on the links below to access the communication materials:
Primary School Poster (For Display)
Secondary School & College Poster (For Display)
Insurance and Risk Protection Arrangements (RPA)
As the solar PV projects progress, your designated Energy Project Manager will be in touch to gather essential information so the project can be administered safely. This will include confirming details of your school, trust, or college insurance policy.
Please ensure you are meeting your obligations under your insurance policy. For some schools, this may include notifying insurers of works taking place on site.
For those covered by the DfE’s Risk Protection Arrangement (RPA), we have been provided with a guidance sheet outlining the obligations for schools.
You can access this here:
We can confirm that the standard JCT contracts used in this programme fully comply with the RPA requirements.
As part of GBESP, all participants also have access to free legal advice relating to contracts via DAC Beachcroft LLP:
Ben Thomas
Senior Associate
DAC Beachcroft LLP
If you are unsure about any of the above, please contact your Barker Energy Project Manager or reach out to Helen Purssord at hpurssord@barker-associates.co.uk
Connect with Your Let’s Go Zero Climate Action Advisors
Our Let’s Go Zero Climate Action Advisors have reached out to your school’s designated Sustainability Leads. Their role is to support you in shaping, strengthening, and accelerating your Climate Action Plans, whether you’re starting from scratch or already have a plan in place.
We encourage all schools to take full advantage of this expert guidance. Your advisor is ready to work with you, answer questions, and help identify the next steps on your journey to zero carbon.
If you haven’t connected with your advisor yet, they will be in touch soon.
Make the Most of the Winter Term: Stay Warm, Save Energy & Build Sustainable Habits
Practical Tips for Winter
Use Heating Efficiently
With heating systems working harder at this time of year, it’s important to use them wisely. Keep classroom thermostats at 18–20°C, ensure timers match actual occupancy, and avoid overheating areas unnecessarily. Check radiators are clear of furniture or displays so warm air can circulate effectively.
Prevent Heat Loss
In winter, every bit of heat counts. Keep doors and windows closed when heating is on, and use simple measures such as draught excluders, curtains, and checking window seals. Encouraging staff and pupils to wear warm layers helps avoid cranking up the thermostat.
Make the Most of Daylight
Shorter days mean relying more on artificial lighting, so maximise the natural daylight available. Clean windows to brighten rooms and position desks to make the most of the winter sun. This reduces the need for lights during the brighter parts of the day.
Switch Off After Hours
Energy use often creeps up during darker months. Remind staff and pupils to switch off non-essential equipment such as monitors, projectors, and interactive boards at the end of the day. “Energy monitors” in each class can help build consistent habits.
Adjust Outdoor Lighting
Winter brings earlier sunsets, so review external lighting timers to ensure they match current daylight hours. If your school or college hasn’t transitioned to LED lighting, winter is a great time to make the switch, LEDs use up to 80% less energy and last much longer.
Keep Systems Maintained
Cold weather can put strain on heating systems. Check boilers, bleed radiators, and ensure maintenance schedules are up to date so classrooms heat evenly and efficiently. A little preventative care now can avoid costly breakdowns later.
Reduce Waste
Encourage reusable items like water bottles and hot-drink cups to cut down on winter waste. This is also a good time to run recycling or donation drives for coats, jumpers or winter accessories to support families and reduce landfill.
Engage Pupils & Staff
Winter is perfect for whole-school energy campaigns. Launch a “Switch it Off for Winter” challenge, empower eco-committees to monitor winter energy use, and celebrate savings together. Small actions from many people make a big difference.
Thank you for your support in helping us work towards a greener, more energy-conscious future.
We're Just An Email Away
If you have any questions about the project, including the appointments scheduled at your school/college, please don't hesitate to email us.