Commonwealth Clean Oceans Campaign

Commonwealth Clean Oceans Campaign – Opportunity for Surrey Schools

Surrey schools are being invited to get involved in the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Campaign, a national and international sustainability initiative linked to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and the King’s Baton Relay.

The campaign, launched by His Majesty The King, aims to reduce plastic pollution entering waterways across the Commonwealth, with a collective target of preventing 1 million pieces of plastic from reaching oceans and rivers by the opening of the Games.

What is happening?

• The King’s Baton Relay will visit England in summer 2026 (likely June or July).
• Alongside the relay, flagship plastic clean-up events will take place across the country.
• Schools and youth organisations are being encouraged to run their own local plastic pick-ups and take part in associated learning activities.
• Four Surrey schools are already attending a related service at Westminster Abbey in March.

Why Surrey?

• Surrey’s rivers, canals and green spaces offer great opportunities for local action. The Surrey Lieutenancy has indicated its support for promoting the campaign across county networks as plans develop.

How schools can get involved

Schools may choose to:

• Organise a local plastic clean-up (before or during the England leg of the relay)
• Engage pupils in learning about plastic pollution and sustainability
• Take part in related education and awareness activities

While it won’t be possible for the Baton to attend every event, there may be opportunities for:

• Baton visits (where feasible)
• Athlete or ambassador engagement
• Local and national promotion of school activity
• Support available

The Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) will provide:

• Practical resources and guidance for running safe clean-up events
• Educational materials linked to plastic pollution
• Promotion of participating schools and groups through national channels
• A toolkit is available now, with a schools-specific version due shortly.

Next steps

This opportunity is currently for awareness and early planning. Further details will be shared as arrangements for the England leg of the King’s Baton Relay are confirmed.

Schools with an interest in sustainability, climate action or student leadership may wish to keep this on their radar.