Mode Shift Month Awards 2025 – Shortlisted School: Chew Stoke Church School

The Mode Shift Month Awards recognise organisations that have excelled in raising awareness of sustainable transport options and delivering activities during Mode Shift Month and World Car Free Day. The shortlisted organisations are invited to the National STARS Summit in March 2026 and celebrated as an example of best practice across the industry.

Here, we are proud to showcase our finalists and their inspiring case studies, highlighting how creative initiatives can make a tangible difference in communities across the UK.

Best Mode Shift Month Campaign – School finalists

Chew Stoke Church School’s Mode Shift Month campaign is a powerful example of how creativity, collaboration and consistency can embed active and sustainable travel at the heart of a school community, even within a rural setting.

The school’s approach to Mode Shift Month builds on years of commitment to active travel. Since 2018/19, Chew Stoke Church School has seen a dramatic shift in travel behaviour, with cycling increasing from 3% to 16% and scooting rising from 5% to 17%. This long-term impact was recognised nationally when the school was named National Primary School of the Year 2024/25.

During Mode Shift Month, the school celebrated this success while continuing to inspire pupils and families to make healthier, safer travel choices, reinforcing active travel as a normal, positive part of everyday school life.

Target Audience

The campaign promoted walking, scooting, cycling and car sharing to pupils, families and staff across the whole school community.

Activities and Engagement

A wide range of inclusive, engaging activities took place throughout Mode Shift Month, including:

A headteacher’s newsletter explaining Modeshift STARS, its purpose, and the benefits of accreditation for pupil wellbeing, learning and the wider school community.
A social media campaign raising awareness of Mode Shift Month and showcasing initiatives throughout the campaign.
Distribution of a parking booklet to all parents, reinforcing no-parking zones, safer parking options, and the rationale behind restricting vehicle access on School Lane.
Mode Shift Month posters displayed in every classroom window and on all external school gates.
Class pledges, with pupils committing to thinking more wisely about how they travel to school.
EYFS and KS1 scavenger hunts, supported by letters to parents, with all participants receiving personalised Mode Shift Month stickers and certificates.
A Walk to School Day for World Car Free Day, supported by the PE Council, Headteacher, Deputy Head and school dog Martha – with staff lining the route to school to encourage participation.
A photography activity inviting children to share their favourite view on the journey to school, which were celebrated on Facebook.
Year 1 and Year 2 lessons focused on the importance of sustainable travel.
Owl and Kingfisher scooter lunchtime clubs, promoting confidence and enjoyment in scooting.
A whole-school assembly led by the Deputy Head and PE Council, exploring the environmental and health benefits of sustainable travel.
Regular updates shared through school newsletters throughout the month.

Location

Activities took place within the school grounds and along routes to and from school, reinforcing real-world behaviour change.

Participation & Impact

184 pupils and approximately 14 members of staff took part.

The campaign built on existing success, reinforcing long-term increases in cycling and scooting and strengthening the school’s active travel culture.

Mobility for Everyone

Inclusivity was carefully considered throughout the campaign. For pupils with SEND mobility needs, adaptations were made, including wheeling in wheelchairs or using scooters on walk-to-school days. All other activities were designed to be accessible to every child, ensuring everyone could take part.

Vicki Hennessey, Deputy Headteacher said:

‘Being part of Mode Shift Month gives us the opportunity to bring our whole school community together around something that really matters. It helps our children understand the impact of their choices on their health, wellbeing and the environment, while empowering families to make positive, sustainable changes. Mode Shift Month perfectly reflects our values and supports our commitment to active travel as part of everyday school life.’