Background
Chew Stoke Church School, located in Bath, North East Somerset has been committed to embedding sustainable travel into everyday school life since 2019. Through creative initiatives, strong community partnerships, and a whole-school approach, the school has made walking, cycling, and scooting the norm for nearly all pupils.
Chew Stoke Church has seen a dramatic shift towards active travel since 2018/19, with cycling increasing from 3% to 16% and scooting increasing from 5% to 17%
It’s a remarkable achievement for a rural setting.
Key Initiatives
- Engaging Activities: Annual favourites such as Odd Socks Walk to School Day, Bling Your Bike, and Bike/Scooter Week encourage pupils to get active in fun and memorable ways.
- Curriculum Integration: Active travel is woven into the school’s curriculum, helping children learn about health, sustainability, and the local environment.
- Community Engagement: Families stay informed and inspired through newsletters, social media updates, and events like the Tour de Chew Valley.
- Safety First: To support sustainable travel in a rural area, the school introduced car free zones, installed cycle racks, and involved pupils in designing road safety signs.
- Partnerships: Working closely with the parish council, Bath and North East Somerset Council, governors, and the PTA, the school has delivered assemblies, training sessions, and shared best practice with neighbouring schools.
Impact
- High Participation: Nearly all pupils now travel to school by walking, cycling, or scooting.
- Cultural Shift: Sustainable travel is now a valued part of daily school life and the wider community.
- Recognition: The school has been awarded both Local Authority School of the Year and Regional School of the Year, leading up to their national success.
Vicki Hennessey, Deputy Headteacher said:
‘Chew Stoke Church School are over the moon to be this year’s recipient of the Modeshift STARS National School of the Year Award. We have been celebrating our phenomenal achievement far and wide! … Winning this award was the best surprise. It has spurred our enthusiasm and drive to be even more creative and relentless in our mission to reinforce key messages and deliver initiatives that make a difference to our local environment for everyone.’
Looking Ahead
Chew Stoke’s recognition as National Primary School of the Year 2024/25 highlights the power of creativity, collaboration, and consistency in embedding sustainable travel. The school plans to build on this momentum by continuing to innovate and inspire, ensuring that active travel remains central to its culture for years to come.
Find out more about Modeshift STARS Education
