Pioneering Initiative Sets the Standard for UK Schools
Dwight School London, in collaboration with Zeelo, the UK’s leading transit-tech company, celebrates the expansion of its all-electric school bus fleet, marking two successful years of commitment to sustainable transportation. With the addition of two new electric minibuses, all three of the school’s bus routes now operate with net-zero tailpipe emissions, making Dwight School London the first school in the UK to achieve a fully electric transport solution.
Advancing Sustainability Goals
The school’s electric bus service began in 2022 with the launch of a fully electric 50-seat Yutong TCE12 coach. Building on this success, Dwight School has expanded the fleet to meet rising demand and align with its broader environmental objectives. The initiative has achieved significant milestones:
- CO2 Emissions Reduced: The electric fleet eliminates 30 tonnes of carbon emissions annually, equivalent to 220,769 miles driven by a diesel vehicle or over 30 commercial flights between London and New York.
- Student Rides Delivered: Over 50,000 rides have been completed, covering 52,460 miles and showcasing the reliability and efficiency of sustainable transport.
- Fewer Car Journeys: The service has replaced more than 45,500 individual car trips, reducing congestion and improving air quality in the school’s vicinity.
Chris Beddows, Head of School at Dwight School London, highlighted the programme’s impact:
“As a school, we strive to inspire students to consider the world they are inheriting. Our all-electric bus service is a tangible example of this ethos in action. Operating routes through central London, we feel a strong responsibility to reduce our environmental footprint. The enthusiastic support from parents and students has been incredible, showing that our community is committed to a greener future.”
Support from Local Leaders
Recognising the importance of the initiative, Catherine West, Labour MP for Hornsey and Friern Barnet, visited Dwight School to learn more about its sustainability efforts. During her visit, she toured the facilities, met with students, staff, and Zeelo representatives, and explored how the electric fleet is driving environmental awareness. She commented:
“It’s inspiring to see young people leading the way in creating a greener future. Whether through adopting electric transport or addressing climate change in the curriculum, these initiatives demonstrate how schools can play a key role in sustainability.”
Zeelo’s Commitment to Eco-Friendly Transport
Luke Ryan, Director of UK Education at Zeelo, praised the collaboration:
“Our partnership with Dwight School London exemplifies how schools can lead the charge in sustainable innovation. By transitioning to a fully electric fleet, Dwight is reducing emissions while setting a benchmark for educational institutions across the UK. At Zeelo, we remain committed to supporting this mission by delivering safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly transport solutions.”
Future Plans
As part of its long-term sustainability strategy, Dwight School London plans to expand its charging infrastructure to accommodate future fleet needs. While the current facilities support the minibuses, the school is actively exploring upgrades to power larger electric coaches, ensuring the programme remains practical and environmentally impactful for years to come.
