Asthma + Lung UK, a leading lung charity, has launched a national campaign to tackle air pollution around schools, as new data reveals more than two thirds of UK schools surveyed are in areas with toxic air. 71% of schools who took part in Asthma + Lung’s Clean Air Champions (CAC) project last year reported nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels above the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended limit.
The CAC scheme, supported by the Bupa Foundation, equips schools with air quality monitors, educational resources and practical guidance to reduce exposure to toxic air, such as tackling idling cars at school gates and creating greener spaces. The nation’s leading lung health charity says the findings show an urgent need for action and is calling on schools nationwide to help protect pupil’s lungs.
The highest NO₂ reading – recorded at a school in Lewisham, London – reached a shocking 52 μg/m³, over five times the safe level recommended by the WHO. Children are more vulnerable to air pollution than adults due to their developing lungs and faster breathing, which can increase their risk of respiratory issues, asthma, lung cancer, and infections over time.
Between September 2024 and September 2025, more than two thirds of the schools that took part in the CAC scheme reported air pollution levels higher than the legal limit set by WHO.
A teacher at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Northampton said: “The children really learnt a lot through the process, one of the enlightening moments was the realisation that the air we breathe isn't always clean.
“The Eco-Team were keen to actively make a difference by testing air quality and holding a clean air poster competition, focusing especially on stopping idling cars at the school gate. It certainly raised awareness in the whole school community.”
Asthma + Lung UK has urged more schools to sign up for the free scheme to highlight the need for targeted government action on air pollution.
Amy Bartlett, Schools Engagement Manager at Asthma + Lung UK, said: “Millions of UK children attend schools with dangerous air pollution levels, which can stunt lung growth, trigger asthma attacks and contribute to chronic lung conditions.
“Many schools are situated near busy roads where there is lots of traffic and this is a major contributory factor. This is why we launched the Clean Air Champions scheme, to help schools and school children take a proactive approach to helping clean up the air they breathe.
“The results from last year show that a lot of work still needs to be done to help reduce levels of air pollution around schools and we are here to support and help them do this. But nothing will change without bold and decisive action from the government, who must work to implement tougher air quality laws, aligned with the World Health Organization guidelines to protect the nation’s children.”
Anna Russell, Bupa Foundation Director, said: “Every child deserves to grow up breathing clean, safe air. The Bupa Foundation is proud to support the Clean Air Champions programme, which is helping to raise awareness of how air pollution affects lung health and everyday life, especially for young people. Clean air is essential for healthy people and a healthy planet and this initiative is driving real change by empowering communities to take action for a healthier future.”
The Clean Air Champions programme returns this school year, inspiring even more students to explore air quality and take meaningful action to protect it. Schools interested in joining the movement can register now.