Throughout Mode Shift Month 2026, schools across the UK showcased how inclusive mobility can help young people build confidence, develop independence and feel more connected to their communities.
The theme, Mobility for Everyone, provided an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding work already taking place in schools. For many schools, inclusion, accessibility and independent travel skills are embedded into everyday life. Mode Shift Month simply gave them a platform to share their success and inspire others.
Three schools in particular stood out during the 2026 campaign: Warmley Park School, Millwood Primary Special School and Sir Charles Parsons School. While each school’s approach was unique, they all shared a commitment to ensuring every pupil can access opportunities, overcome barriers and participate alongside their peers.
Building Confidence Beyond the School Gates
For many pupils with SEND, confidence in unfamiliar environments can be a significant barrier to independence. Schools are increasingly using mobility-focused activities to help young people become more comfortable exploring their communities and accessing opportunities outside the classroom.
At Warmley Park School, initiatives such as Walking for Wellbeing, the Duke of Edinburgh Award and Ten Tors challenges have introduced pupils to local parks, open spaces and community facilities. These experiences help students develop important life skills while supporting their emotional wellbeing.
During Mode Shift Month the school introduced their ‘Warmley Wren’ – a new active travel mascot, made specially by a member of the school community. Launched as part of the competition for Active Travel Ambassador (ATA) schools, it was a great way to take part during the month and be in with a chance of winning a prize! The student came up with the idea after listening to the local birds in their nature garden and identify it as a wren.
The school’s investment in inclusive mobility equipment, including a tuk tuk and go-kart, also ensures that less mobile pupils can take part in outdoor experiences alongside their peers.
By creating opportunities for exploration and participation, Warmley Park is helping pupils grow in confidence while demonstrating that mobility should be accessible to everyone.
Creating Opportunities Through Inclusive Mobility
At Millwood Primary Special School in Bury, mobility is woven into daily school life.
During Mode Shift Month, pupils took part in learn-to-ride sessions using the school’s extensive range of bikes, trikes, scooters and adapted cycles. For some children, it was their first experience of riding independently.
The school also welcomed families to after-school activities where parents, carers and siblings could try equipment together and learn more about the opportunities available to support everyday journeys.
Beyond the campaign, pupils regularly access adapted cycles and develop practical road safety skills through a purpose-built playground area featuring road layouts, junctions and a zebra crossing.
The result is an environment where mobility is not viewed as a barrier, but as an opportunity for learning, growth and independence. Something Christian Wakeford MP witnessed when he visited during Mode Shift Month.
Emily Sykes – Active Travel Officer TfGM said:
‘It’s brilliant to see the enthusiasm shown by staff and pupils taking part in Mode Shift Month at Millwood School. Activities like these help build confidence and encourage healthier travel habits throughout whole school community. A huge well done and thank you to everyone involved, including colleagues at Bury Council, Millwood Wheels, Nationwide Cycling Academy and the Millwood Family Community Walk’
Walking Together, Whatever Your Ability
At Sir Charles Parsons School, students have shown how mobility can strengthen friendships, improve wellbeing and promote independence.
Led by the school’s ATAs, Parsons Pathfinders was developed to encourage students to walk together and spend more time in their local community. Accessibility sits at the heart of the initiative, with routes carefully planned to accommodate wheelchair users and students who use mobility aids.
The Active Travel Ambassadors at Sir Charles Parsons welcomed Mary Glindon MP into school to showcase their fabulous Parsons Pathfinders project.
The programme demonstrates that walking is about much more than physical activity. It creates opportunities for social connection, builds resilience and encourages pupils to develop confidence beyond the school gates.
The ATAs talked about some of the issues they faced in their campaign, in particular, pavement obstructions and safety, Mary Glindon MP commented that ‘It is great that you are the voice of your school but you can also become the voice of the local community. Your work can help others; you can use your voice to tell me and the council what the issues are’.
The school plan to deliver an Active Travel Inspection to further support their work and Mary was very keen to hear about their future findings.
School Champion Clare Grahamslaw reflected on the impact of the initiative:
‘Here at SCP, Parsons Pathfinders means staff and students can enjoy taking part in an activity together irrespective of ability. Our whole school walk was enjoyed by all. A particular highlight was one student who uses a power chair, chatting to his friends walking alongside him.’
During a Mode Shift Month visit, students also shared their experiences with local MP Mary Glindon, highlighting the importance of giving young people a voice in discussions about accessibility and mobility within their communities.
A Shared Vision for Mobility for Everyone
Although their approaches differ, Warmley Park School, Millwood Primary Special School and Sir Charles Parsons School all demonstrate what Mobility for Everyone looks like in practice.
Their stories show that mobility is about much more than travel. It is about confidence, inclusion, wellbeing, friendship and independence. It is about ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to participate, explore and thrive.
Throughout Mode Shift Month 2026, these schools have helped shine a light on the exceptional work taking place across the Modeshift STARS network, inspiring others to consider how mobility can be made more inclusive for all pupils.
Together, these schools demonstrate that Mobility for Everyone is not about a single activity or transport mode. It is about ensuring every young person has the opportunity to participate, connect with their community and develop the confidence to make journeys independently.
