The Circular Economy School is a new programme in Park Royal, where local young people learn how to make sustainable products from waste materials – and gain real skills they need for careers in the circular economy. You can watch the video here:
Over three months in 2026, a group of ten 17-21 year olds from the boroughs of Brent, Ealing and Hammersmith and Fulham were paid London Living Wage to learn every aspect of sustainable production.
The young people designed, prototyped and produced three new sustainable products (and the stall to sell them from); presented these at a network day of local employers; and sold them over two days of markets, as part of London Craft Week 2026. You can buy the products here.
The school was run by Absolute Beginners, Recollective and Rescued Clay, and was funded by the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation. We’re now fundraising for a second iteration of the school. If you want to fund or sponsor the school, please get in touch.
↑One of of our young people, Shanti Esnard, learns to make a Living Planter.
CREDITS
Thanks to the young people: Anas Jimaale, Anurag Mahendrakumar, Clementine Krokatsis, Geetasree Thakur, Lotte de Krujiff, Milans Kleins, Rahima Meriam Oqubay, Romario Alli Padruth, Shanti Esnard, Sweetsan Manijam.
The Circular Economy School was directed by Tom James and produced by Shanayah Dadral.
Absolute Beginners workshops led by Tom James.
Recollective workshops led by Freya Bruce and Francesca Rausa.
Rescued Clay workshops led by Prashant Patel and Victor Pedrosa.
Graphics by Jon Cannon.
Film by Lavanda Films.
Food by Kamil’s Bakery.
Scaffolding offcuts from Recreate UK.
Thanks to Eleanor Fawcett and Kaiyil Gnanakumaran from OPDC, and Johnny Brewin from the Republic of Park Royal Community Projects, for all of their support.