Zach has been a keen environmentalist since he was at primary school. Now he is doing his GCSEs at Dorothy Stringer school, he has developed quite a reputation as a force to be reckoned with.

He helps run an “Eco-Check” scheme at school, visiting classrooms at lunchtime to check which teachers have turned off lights and computers and measuring the power consumption. This check is followed up with a name and shame at school assemblies, whilst good teachers are given certificates and encouragement to do more. There are awards for staff who have done the best, and booby prizes for those who have done badly.

At school, Zach is on the eco board, and has been involved in tree planting exercises, a project looking after sheep on school land and numerous other tasks. He also attends external events on the school’s behalf.

His mum is very supportive “the scheme is hilarious, whenever I go to parent night they’re petrified of him, dread him coming in – they know they’re being monitored. He’s not scared to come forward, he’s not scared of who he is. He has no qualms about standing up in assembly and naming and shaming the teachers.”

She said “He’s one of those kids, whatever he does to the max, he gives up his own time, puts his whole heart in to it. I’m really proud of him.”

Zach will be interviewed as a nominee for head boy, although some staff may not be so sure, his mum says “teachers tell me “we hate it when we see your son, it makes us worry!”

Looking to the future, Zach wants to emulate Richard Branson and start a travel company, albeit one with a twist. He wants to own his own eco travel company, ensuring that all his holidays are environmentally friendly.