Conference of Ribble Valley Schools (CORVS)

What is CORVS?

The Conference of  Ribble Valley  Schools (CORVS) was started by members of Ribble Valley CAN, who were inspired by the UN’s COP events where leaders work together on solutions to tackle climate change.

CORVS is now in its fourth year and has become an annual event which brings together schools from around the local area, sector experts and local decision makers to actively seek solutions to climate and nature issues chosen by the students.

CORVS encourages students and staff to make tangible plans which are can they can be converted in to action in the schools and local areas. CORVS meetings held to date are:

CORVS 1 - June 2023. COP for Schools, hosted by Stoneyhurst College

CORVS 2 - June 2024. Every action Counts, hosted by Ribblesdale High School

CORVS 3 - June 2025. Nature needs nurture, hosted by Oakhill school

CORVS 4 - March 2026 - Sustainable Architecture, hosted by Bowland high at Grindleton Pavillion

To read about previous events click on the following links: CORVS 1 and 2, CORVS 3

  • A stone wall with a carved rectangular plaque reading 'GRINDLETON PAVILION' in uppercase letters.
  • Four children in school uniforms standing near a staircase, wearing green 'SUSTAINABILITY' shirts, with one adult seated in the foreground.
  • A man in a suit with medals and a chain is speaking to three boys in suits sitting around a large round table in a bright room with large windows and chairs against the wall.
  • A group of students in school uniforms listening to a woman who is explaining a laser measuring instrument on a grassy field.

CORVS 2026 - Sustainable Architecture

On 26th March 2026 the fourth annual CORVS meeting was held at Grindleton Pavilion, hosted by the staff and students of Bowland High School. Participating schools this year were Ribblesdale School, Bowland High, West Craven High School, Witton Park Academy, Pleckgate High School and St Christopher’s, bringing together a diverse group of young people from the Ribble Valley and the wider region, with a shared focus on sustainability.

The theme of the day was Designing Sustainable Classrooms. The day was chaired by Alison Watson MBE, founder of Class of Your Own, who delivered an inspiring guest talk. Students were then tasked with working in small teams, with individuals taking on roles roles such as Project Manager, Engineer, Architect, Community Engagement Manager and Sustainability Consultant, to develop a team plan for an Eco Classroom. At the end of the day each team presented their plans and designs to their fellow students and a panel of judges with sustainability expertise.

Experts supporting the workshop were: Fiona Campbell, Sustainability Manager at Johnson Matthey; Ann Vanner, Architect from Healing Buildings; Jeff Marshall, Architect of Grindleton Pavilion; Anne Huson from Grindleton Pavilion, and a local advocate for sustainable building development; Paul Williamson from STRABAG UK, a building construction and civil engineering company; Three civil engineering students from the University of Salford who are working with Class of Your Own and the Ribble Rivers Trust. The event was also attended by the Mayor of Ribble Valley, Councillor Simon O’Rourke, highlighting the importance of this initiative within the local community.

The event took place as result of powerful three-way partnership between local schools, industry professionals, and the Ribble Valley Climate Action Network. With the help of Class of Your Own they created a meaningful opportunity for students to engage with real-world challenges and explore future careers in sustainability and the built environment.

  • A woman standing at a table, holding papers, in a classroom setting with students seated, some taking notes, and a presentation screen in the background.
  • Assorted desserts on a picnic table outdoors, including apple slices, chocolate brownies, and layered bars, with a background of green grass and trees behind a wire fence.
  • Three paper cups on a table, with conference logos and stickers.
  • Four young girls in green shirts and black blazers stand behind a table with laptops, giving a presentation in a classroom or conference room setting. One girl is reading from papers, while the others await their turn.