Wexford school named Ireland’s Best Secondary School in 2026 Glenveagh Nature Hero Awards

Ramsgrange Community School in Co. Wexford has been named Best Secondary School in the Glenveagh Nature Hero Awards 2026, recognising the school’s outstanding commitment to biodiversity and engaging students with the natural world.

The national awards, sponsored by Glenveagh and delivered in partnership with Biodiversity in Schools, celebrate schools across Ireland taking meaningful action to protect and enhance biodiversity while helping young people develop a greater understanding of nature.

Ramsgrange Community School was one of four schools recognised nationally in this year’s awards, taking home the top award in the secondary school category.

Giggles Outdoor Preschool, Co. Meath was named Best Preschool, while Scoil Mhuire in Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary, received Best Primary School. Portumna Community School, Co. Galway was crowned the Overall National Winner and will receive part of a €10,000 prize fund towards a school garden makeover delivered by the Glenveagh Greencare team.

The judges praised the creativity and commitment demonstrated by schools across the country, with students taking practical steps to create habitats, support wildlife and strengthen biodiversity within their school communities.

The Nature Hero Award supports schools in achieving their biodiversity goals and provides a national mark of excellence for those creating educational spaces that nurture a love of nature, build knowledge of Irish biodiversity and encourage local action.

Annette McGarry, Head of Community Engagement at Glenveagh, said:

“Every year, the Nature Hero Awards show just how much can be achieved when young people are given the opportunity to engage with nature in a meaningful and hands-on way.

“We’re delighted to recognise Ramsgrange Community School as Ireland’s Best Secondary School in this year’s awards. The work being done by students and teachers demonstrates how schools can make biodiversity relevant, practical and part of everyday school life, while giving young people the opportunity to make a positive impact within their own community.”

Mark Nolan, Director of Biodiversity in Schools, said:

“The standard of entries to this year’s Nature Hero Awards demonstrated the extraordinary amount of work happening in schools across Ireland to support biodiversity. Ramsgrange Community School has shown superb commitment to creating opportunities for students to engage with and take action for nature, and is a very deserving winner of this year’s secondary school award.”

Nature Hero Awards 2027

Following another successful year of the programme, the Glenveagh Nature Hero Awards will return for 2027, with entries opening on 10 September.

Preschools, primary schools and secondary schools across Ireland are invited to take part and demonstrate the actions they are taking to support biodiversity and encourage children and young people to connect with nature.

Schools can register for the 2027 Nature Hero Awards from: https://www.biodiversityinschools.com/nature-hero-awards

To register or find out more, visit https://glenveagh.ie/corporate/nature-hero-awards