One of the commitments in our Sustainability Framework is to partner with the communities we operate in to make a positive contribution to their lives and livelihoods.
Our Community and Education teams work across Drax’s operational footprint in the UK, US and Canada. This work combines hands-on community engagement with local partnerships and support for grassroots non-profit organisations through our Community Fund. This year we participated in more than 1,000 community engagements reaching more than 45,000 members of our local communities, globally.
How we made a difference in the UK in 2025
- £1.78m grant funding from Drax Foundation
- £130,000 donations from our Community Fund to 128 grassroots non-profit organisations
- 2,549 children with improved access to STEM education
- 1,713 adults participating in skills programmes
- 644 people with access to nature-based learning and volunteer programmes
- 22 schools with energy-efficient LED lighting and / or solar panels installed, saving an average of 64% on their electricity bills
- 150 schools with energy saving tools and education saving a combined total of ~£1m from their energy bills in 2025
- 1,060 households in fuel poverty receiving financial and practical support
- 97 educational tours of the Drax Power Station for local schools and colleges
- 111 STEM education and careers events delivered
- 36 Drax ‘Education Ambassadors’ delivered 250 hours of mentoring for local school children
- 20% increase in employee volunteering compared to 2024
See some highlights from 2025 below.
Our community hub at the Drax Power Station near Selby
The Skylark Centre is a nature reserve built on reclaimed land at the Drax Power station. It is open to the public for recreation and serves as a community hub. During 2025 we hosted a wide range of community events at the Centre, including nature and STEM events for local families for Easter and Halloween, and a Santa’s Grotto at Christmas. This year we partnered Groundwork Yorkshire’s ‘Go Wild’ summer programme, enabling young people to use the Centre for nature-based learning activities. We also provided regular alternative provision for Selby High School students incorporating hands-on outdoor learning. In addition to education and family events, the Centre is available to be used at no cost to local community groups and non-profit organisations.
Supporting business apprenticeships for students in Oban
This year we supported students studying for a Foundation Apprenticeship in business at Oban High School by helping them complete a STEM focused work-based challenge about the Cruachan Visitor Centre. We also attended STEM careers events at the school and funded visits from Glasgow Science Centre’s outreach team. A team of pupils has been supported with their entry to the ‘Future Assets’ Scottish competition, through engagement with Drax employees to gain a deeper understanding of our operations.
“The community team located at the Cruachan Visitor Centre in Scotland feel so proud to serve our local communities and be part of local life. Cruachan is such a special place, it’s a privilege to be part of its story.” Sarah Baird, Drax Community Manager, Scotland
STEM education and skills in Yorkshire and the Humber
Partner organisation: Teach First
Teach First trains talented teachers and school leaders in some of the UK’s poorest communities to give children with the fewest opportunities access to great education. 40% of STEM teachers in disadvantaged schools in England are Teach First trained.
This year we’re working with Teach First in Yorkshire and the Humber to support 12 high potential STEM trainees to complete their Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). This is creating inspiring role models for the future. These new teachers will reach at least 1,500 pupils in the region with high quality STEM learning. Young girls and minority pupils in particular need visible role models in the classroom and leadership positions. This project helps to empower the next generation to pursue education and careers in STEM fields.
“Drax Foundation’s investment in teacher development will have a lasting impact – strengthening leadership in schools and improving outcomes for young people in the communities that need it most. Together we are helping to build a fairer future through education.” Russell Hobby – Teach First CEO
1,500
Children from underserved communities with improved STEM education
12
Teachers trained in STEM subjects
Community-led conservation in Selby, Yorkshire
Partner organisation: Canal & River Trust
Canal & River Trust is the UK’s largest canal charity, caring for a 2,000-mile network of rivers and canals.
We are partnering with the Trust along the 6-mile-long Selby Canal. The canal has seen an increase in highly invasive floating pennywort, which creates a dense mass across the water surface. This threatens native species and reduces light and oxygen levels in the water. Drax Foundation funding is funding a team of local volunteers (the ‘Towpath Taskforce’) to assist with the removal of the pennywort. We are also supporting a six-week forensic removal programme and installing new bird boxes along the canal.
“We have been able to significantly reduce the impact of Pennywort along the Selby Canal. This funding has enabled us to bring in a specialist team and equipment earlier than usual—stopping the weed before it took hold—and to purchase a floating pontoon, enabling safe access to hard-to-reach areas.” Sean McGinley, Regional Director for Yorkshire & North East, Canal & River Trust
24
Towpath Taskforce volunteering sessions
900
Volunteer hours tacking invasive species
6-week
Forensic removal programme completed
10
Bird boxes installed
LED lighting and solar panels for schools
This year we concluded a three-year collaboration to help schools in underserved communities to become more energy-efficient, reduce fuel bills, and cut carbon emissions – while improving energy and climate literacy among participating schools and children.
Over the three-year period, we installed LED lighting and / or solar panels in 54 schools in and around the communities where Drax operates in England and Scotland. Between 2023 – 2025, participating schools saved a combined total of ~1million in energy bills and reduced CO2 emissions by 1,684 tonnes CO2e.
“The new LED lighting and solar panels will help us to save money on our energy bills, which is critical when the cost of fuel is so high. It’s also a great opportunity to engage the children about practical measures to address energy efficiency and climate change.” Bernadette McMillan – Head Teacher Taynuilt Primary School
23
Schools with LED and / or solar panels installed in 2025
64%
Average annual reduction in electricity bills among participating schools in 2025
62%
Average annual reduction in CO2 emissions among participating schools in 2025
