For the competition, pupils debated the motion Farming can become carbon neutral in the future. In front of a panel of judges, students delivered an evidence-based response factoring in the scale of challenges facing the agriculture industry. Laurus Ryecroft beat four other schools on the award shortlist.
Located in Tameside, Greater Manchester, Laurus Ryecroft is a secondary free schools that opened in 2018. It is one of four free schools supported by the Laurus Trust.