The award, championed by the international aid charity CAFOD, was presented to the Catholic school after they successfully planned and implemented faith inspired actions that highlighted the importance of caring for people and the planet. Their actions have had a positive impact throughout the school, in their local community, and globally too, as they reached out to make a difference. St Mary’s secured the Live Simply Award by taking bold steps to live out sustainability in school and parish life, including a Go Green Day, Meat-Free Mondays, the Big Lent Walk for CAFOD, and community visits to the Ardley Recycling Centre and Bicester Community Garden . The school also strengthened parish links through litter-picking, Food Bank collections and initiatives such as the ‘Reverse Advent Calendar’, bringing pupils, families and parishioners together to take action for our common home.

One of the Catholic Ambassadors for the school commented on why they took part in the LiveSimply award

“We realised that small actions—like saving energy, growing food and helping others—can make a big difference. We know we can be the generation that protects God’s creation.”

Mrs Horton at St Mary’s who led the LiveSimply journey, said: “Watching the children lead this journey has been inspiring. They’ve shown real courage and compassion in caring for our common home, and the award is proof of what happens when a school and parish community act together with faith and hope.”

CAFOD’s LiveSimply Coordinator for Schools, Siobhan Farnell, said: “Congratulations to the pupils and staff at St Mary’s Bicester on achieving the LiveSimply award. Their actions are wonderful examples of caring for others and our common home and we wish them well as they continue to live simply, sustainably and in solidarity with communities around the world experiencing poverty.”