Sharlston Community School achieved a Good Modeshift STARS School Travel Plan Accreditation in July 2026, becoming the first school in Wakefield to achieve this milestone.
This welcoming, community-focused primary school in Wakefield, is part of the Waterton Academy Trust.
Building on Strong Foundations
Headteacher Luke Oldroyd worked with Tanya Blake Miller, Modeshift West Yorkshire Education Officer, to develop the school’s travel plan through Modeshift STARS and showcase the excellent work already taking place.
Already, the school had built strong foundations. Pupils regularly took part in road safety assemblies, used the Living Streets Daily Travel Tracker, enjoyed scooters at playtime and benefited from new cycle and scooter parking. Together, Luke and Tanya identified further opportunities to encourage even more active journeys.
Creating Positive Travel Habits
Sharlston has developed a positive culture around health, wellbeing and active travel. Each day, the school tracks how pupils travel to school, helping children and families think about their journey choices and celebrate active travel.
From an early age, pupils develop the skills and confidence to travel actively. Children in Early Years use balance bikes every day to build coordination and confidence. As they progress through school, they take part in cycle and scooter training in Years 2, 3, 4 and Years 5/6. As a result, pupils gain the skills they need to travel safely and independently.
Giving Pupils a Voice
Alongside these activities, Sharlston’s Walk to School Champions play a key role in promoting active travel. They hand out reward badges, lead awareness campaigns, take part in local area walks and report road safety concerns to the local authority.
The Champions also completed a Modeshift Active Travel Inspection (ATI). They assessed local streets, identified barriers to walking, wheeling and cycling, and suggested practical improvements. Their findings were then uploaded through Modeshift STARS and shared with the local authority, ensuring young people have a voice in shaping safer, healthier neighbourhoods.
Looking Ahead
Active travel extends beyond pupils. Staff can access bikes through the Trust’s Cycle to Work scheme, making it easier to choose active journeys to and from work.
Looking ahead, the school plans to explore a bike and scooter loan scheme, helping ensure every child can take part regardless of their circumstances.
Overall, Sharlston Community School is proud of the enthusiasm shown by pupils, staff and families. By building on its success, the school will continue creating opportunities for more children to choose walking, wheeling and cycling for everyday journeys.
