Aurora Hedgeway School – Modeshift STARS National SEND School of the Year 2025/26 is a shining example of how commitment, collaboration and innovation can overcome complex travel challenges.
Modeshift STARS National SEND School of the Year
When Aurora Hedgeway School first joined Modeshift STARS back in 2020, the small SEND school in rural South Gloucestershire set themselves a bold target:
‘To make our school a beacon of sustainability and align our travel plan with our Net-Zero ambitions.’
Located in a rural setting, the school faces unique challenges typical of a SEND environment, with many students reliant on home-to-school transport and staff often commuting long distances. Rather than being defined by these barriers, the school has used them as a catalyst for action – driving innovation, strengthening partnerships and working closely with their local authority to find effective solutions.
Nearly six years on, this commitment has delivered outstanding results. The school now holds an Excellent STARS Travel Plan and has been recognised nationally as STARS SEND School of the Year—a testament to their sustained effort and leadership in what is an increasingly competitive category.
The Experience
The school introduced a Park & Ride scheme where staff travelled from an off‑site drop‑off point to the school using a hybrid minibus. By working with South Gloucestershire’s transport providers, they also changed student taxi transport from single‑use journeys to a shared‑use system. As a result, car use dropped dramatically, from 100% down to just 5%. Safety was also addressed with school being successful in reducing the speed limit at school to 20mph from 60mph!
Aurora Hedgeway delivered a great presentation at the Modeshift STARS National Travel Awards in London which they wrapped up with a brilliant poem:
‘Yea, it worked, we made the change
Now part of life, that everyday range
Staff cut miles, got footprints down
20k saved, we’re greening the town
6.3 tonnes less CO2 in the air
Proof that’s progress built on care
Keeping our school safe, that’s the vibe we bring
Students, staff and the public, it’s a teamwork thing
Cut the carbon, breathe the cleaner air
A greener environment, show’s we care
Fresh start, bright heart, future in sight
We’re building change and we’re doing it right.’
The Results
After hearing their school announced as National winners, Klaire Rowland, Principal of Aurora Hedgeway said:
‘Everyone at school is still coming to terms with winning the award. The recognition has given our entire school community a moment to reflect on the commitment, creativity and hard work that have shaped our Active Travel initiatives over the past years. These initiatives have made a meaningful contribution to safer, more sustainable travel for students and staff, and play a key role in our ongoing journey toward becoming a Net Zero School by 2030’.
Collaboration with the South Gloucestershire Road safety team was paramount to helping school achieve success.
Conclusion and endorsement
During the judging process, industry experts from national organisations such as The Bikeability Trust and Living Streets cast their votes over the nominated schools. One judge commented:
‘Incredible work by Aurora Hedgeway School, collaborating with the local community, councillors and families. Reducing not only private car use but also working on road safety measure such as the impressive speed limit reduction to 20mph from 60mph outside the school gates! Very impressive, well done.’
The School don’t plan to rest on their victory though, Principal Klaire commented: ‘The school team are energised by this achievement and are ready for the next challenge’.
We can’t wait to hear and see what comes next!
