Southend expands school air quality project to final five schools

April 25, 2025

Southend-on-Sea City Council is pleased to announce the final phase of its successful ‘Clean Air for Schools’ project, with five more schools joining the initiative this spring.

Cecil Jones Academy, Hamstel Infant and Junior Schools, Shoeburyness High School and Earls Hall Primary School are the latest to join.

The aim is to monitor and improve air quality in and around schools and help protect children from the harmful effects of air pollution.

Outdoor air quality monitors will be installed at each site, along with indoor monitors in selected classrooms. These will track particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), mainly caused by vehicles, to help identify practical ways to cut pollution and reduce children’s exposure.

Launched in 2023 and funded by a £256,285 DEFRA grant, the innovative three-year project has worked with schools located along busy routes like the A127 and A13, as well as within local Air Quality Management Areas.

Previous phases have delivered real improvements, from classroom air purifiers to a living green wall at St Mary’s Primary. This final phase builds on that success.

Councillor Lydia Hyde, cabinet member for climate, environment and waste, said: “We’ve seen great progress and students have a better understanding of what air pollution is, where it comes from and how we can reduce it together. Thanks to DEFRA funding, we’ve delivered a comprehensive package, providing everything from air purifiers to green walls, to help schools tackle pollution.

“The Clean Air for Schools project complements our broader work to cut emissions in Southend, including the ‘Cough! Cough! Engine Off!’ anti-idling campaign. These projects are essential to our plans of improving air quality across the city and create a healthier future for everyone who lives, works or studies here.”

Councillor Kevin Robinson, cabinet member for regeneration, major projects and regulatory services, said: “Our Regulatory Services team have led this programme brilliantly. By combining real-time data, school audits, and targeted campaigns, they’re showing what can be achieved when councils and schools work together.”

Councillor Maxine Sadza, cabinet member for social care and healthier communities, said: “Cleaner air doesn’t just help with asthma or heart conditions, it also supports mental wellbeing and cognitive health. That’s why this work matters so much. It’s not just about the environment; it’s about every child having the opportunity to grow up in an air-pollution free environment.”

For more information about the council’s air quality work, visit: www.southend.gov.uk/airquality