A primary school in South Oxfordshire has received £22,000 to install solar panels.

Whitchurch Primary School, near Goring, secured the funds through an energy efficiency loan scheme run by Oxfordshire County Council.

The scheme has been in operation since July 2023 and aims to reduce overall energy usage in schools, consequently reducing operational costs.

Councillor John Howson, Oxfordshire County Council cabinet member for children, education and young people’s services, said: "We’ve already carried out 50 energy efficiency audits on our council maintained schools.

"The latest round of the loan scheme was launched earlier this year, with Whitchurch Primary School being one of the first to make use of the fund."

The school hopes to install the technology during the summer holidays in readiness for the new term in September.

Whitchurch's school business manager, Fiona Broadbent, said: "We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and have already made the switch to LED lighting, so installing solar photovoltaic panels was the next step to take to both reduce our carbon footprint and make financial savings for the school."

Headteacher, Dawn Chesters, added: "We are looking forward to using this installation as an educational tool; to help the children understand about their carbon footprint and practical steps they can take to create a positive impact.

"We believe that nurturing an understanding of sustainability from a young age is essential for shaping responsible global citizens."