Designed with teachers, for teachers: In the Know is NLWA's in-schools programme, where we work with north London primary schools to tackle waste!
What is the In the Know programme?
The overarching goal is to establish a culture of waste prevention within the primary schools that participate in the programme by putting the knowledge for change in the hands of north Londoners. We work closely with the school staff and north London borough officers to make improvements in the following areas: waste and sustainability education, communications and engagement, and waste and recycling services.
The programme uses insights gathered through waste audits and people surveys to personalise the approach for each school.
What's in it for you?
- Insight and reporting metrics on waste
- At least 5 days of engagement from NLWA
- Materials developed and delivered by a teacher, with strong links to national curriculum
- Improved internal communications on waste and recycling practices
- Improved waste and recycling infrastructure and services (and cost benefits of preventing waste)
- An off-site ceremony at end of programme (with publicity opportunities for your school)
- Assistance in forming a long-term strategy (aligned with your Climate Action Plan)
Our current participating schools
From September 2025, we will be working with:
- Barnet: Fairway Primary and Holly Park Primary
- Camden: Torriano Primary
- Enfield: Houndsfield Primary and Freezywater Primary
- Hackney: Betty Layward Primary and Morningside Primary
- Haringey: Coldfall Primary, Rhodes Avenue Primary and Risley Avenue Primary
- Islington: William Tyndale Primary
- Waltham Forest: Buxton Primary and Our Lady St George Primary
Our In the Know accredited schools
Monkfrith Primary School (Barnet)
Monkfrith Primary School took part in the 2024/25 academic year. Some highlights include:
- Estimated 76% reduction of general rubbish
- Introduced food waste recycling
- Removal of playground bins
Rosary Catholic Primary School (Camden)
Rosary Catholic Primary School took part in the 2024/25 academic year. Some highlights include:
- Estimated 42% reduction of general rubbish
- Introduced recycling bins in all classrooms
- Estimated 38% reduction of their lunchtime waste
Merryhills Primary (Enfield)
Merryhills Primary School took part in the 2024/25 academic year. Some highlights include:
- Estimated 37% reduction of general rubbish
- Ran a 'Go Green' awareness day
- Introduced a playground recycling bin
- Estimated 50% increase in overall recycling rate
Parkwood Primary School (Hackney)
Parkwood Primary School took part in the 2024/25 academic year. Some highlights include:
- Estimated 67% reduction of general rubbish
- Introduced a playground food waste bin
- Consulted with pupils to design a brand-new lunch menu based on demand
- Estimated 19% reduction in lunchtime waste
Ferry Lane Primary School (Haringey)
Ferry Lane Primary School took part in the 2024/25 academic year. Some highlights include:
- Estimated 88% reduction of general rubbish
- Introduced food waste recycling
- Ran World Book Day costume and uniform swap events
- Estimated 75% increase in their recycling rate
Ambler Primary School (Islington)
Ambler Primary School took part in the 2024/25 academic year. Some highlights include:
- Estimated 72% reduction of general rubbish
- Introduced a playground food waste bin
- Had the highest waste reduction rate across all participating schools in the year
Parkside Primary School (Waltham Forest)
Parkside Primary School took part in the 2024/25 academic year. Some highlights include:
- Estimated 21% reduction of waste
- Introduced recycling bins in all classrooms
- Introduced battery recycling within the school
- Estimated 51% reduction in lunchtime waste
Interested in applying?
Applications for the 2026/27 academic year will open in early 2026, please use this expression of interest form and you'll be one of the first to know when applications are open.