Modeshift STARS Awards

Winner: Chew Stoke Church School
Local Authority: Bath and North Somerset
Postcode: BS40 8UY

The school have embraced sustainable travel as a core part of their curriculum with activities like Odd Socks Walk to School Day, Bling Your Bike, and Bike/Scooter Week taking place. They stay connected with families through newsletters and social media, making sure active travel remains integral to school life. Initiatives like the ‘Tour de Chew Valley’ and local council collaborations have strengthened their focus. In a rural area, the school prioritise road safety through car-free zones, bike racks, and student-designed road signs. Nearly all pupils now walk, cycle, or scoot to school, promoting a healthier, more active school community. 

Nominee: Brockenhurst Church of England Primary School
Local Authority: Hampshire
Postcode: NE61 6HJ

The school have engaged with Modeshift STARS for over five years to champion active travel. Their achievements include high rankings in national and local active travel challenges, and they regularly host events such as Walk to School Month and cycling days to further their commitment. They also provide balance bike sessions, Bikeability training, and after school clubs to ensure every pupil is confident on their bike. By working with local councils, they have enhanced road safety, resulting in less car use and more walking and cycling, creating a lasting culture of healthy, sustainable travel. 

Nominee: Fawbert and Barnard’s Primary School
Local Authority: Hampshire
Postcode: CM17 0DA

The school have engaged with Modeshift STARS for over five years to champion active travel. Their achievements include high rankings in national and local active travel challenges, and they regularly host events such as Walk to School Month and cycling days to further their commitment. They also provide balance bike sessions, Bikeability training, and after school clubs to ensure every pupil is confident on their bike. By working with local councils, they have enhanced road safety, resulting in less car use and more walking and cycling, creating a lasting culture of healthy, sustainable travel. 

Nominee: Grendon Junior and Infant School (NC)
Local Authority: Birmingham City Council
Postcode: B14 4RB

The school have worked hard to enhance road safety and promote sustainability, promoted by their Junior Leaders. Their students played a key role in getting a vehicle-activated sign (VAS) installed to reduce speeding, as well as double yellow lines to improve parking safety. During National Clean Air Day, their pupils showed their creativity with a prize-winning ‘Clean Air Superhero’ design. They continue to highlight road safety through events like Road Safety Day and anti-idling campaigns. They have achieved the ‘Outstanding’ level of STARS accreditation and aim to further reduce traffic and create a greener, healthier environment for their community.

Nominee: St Mary’s CofE Primary School
Local Authority: Wigan – Greater Manchester
Postcode: WN2 3NX

The school has worked towards achieving the STARS Excellent Travel Plan accreditation for the past three years by promoting sustainable travel modes. In 2023/24, their WOW Challenge was enhanced by increasing the walking, cycling, or scooting target to twice a week, with plans to raise it further in 2024/25. A dedicated scooter park was also installed and Scoot Fit sessions introduced. The Junior Travel Ambassadors play a vital role in promoting active travel, organising events, and conducting surveys. Cycling initiatives, such as balance bike training and Bikeability sessions, have increased engagement and community collaboration has been crucial in addressing parking concerns and improving air quality.

Nominee: Stannington First School
Local Authority: Northumberland
Postcode: NE61 6HJ

The school have engaged with Modeshift STARS for over five years to champion active travel. Their achievements include high rankings in national and local active travel challenges, and they regularly host events such as Walk to School Month and cycling days to further their commitment. They also provide balance bike sessions, Bikeability training, and after school clubs to ensure every pupil is confident on their bike. By working with local councils, they have enhanced road safety, resulting in less car use and more walking and cycling, creating a lasting culture of healthy, sustainable travel.  

Nominee: Stocksbridge Nursery Infant School
Local Authority: Sheffield City Council
Postcode: S36 1EJ

Active travel is a central value the school promote to their students, staff, and parents. They engage in Walk to School Week, the Mayor’s Walk and Wheel Challenge, and Living Streets WOW Project. The school also offers fun activities, such as scooter and bike skills sessions and road safety lessons. They’ve established a bike and scooter park, and a Park and Stride scheme that encourages parents to park at the local leisure centre. They have also enhanced air quality and safety by planting trees to create a no-parking zone. Their ongoing commitment continues to encourage healthier, greener travel choices. 

Winner: Upper Batley High School
Local Authority: Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Postcode: WF17 0BJ

The school have made significant progress in sustainability and road safety through collaboration with students, staff, and the community. To encourage cycling, they distributed hi-vis jackets, reflectors, and bike locks, upgraded bike parking, and partnered with the Council to monitor traffic and raise awareness of sustainable travel options. These efforts have contributed to a reduction in car use, improved air quality, and a stronger commitment to active travel and environmental responsibility across the school.

Nominee: Amersham School
Local Authority: Buckinghamshire
Postcode: HP7 9HH

The school have made significant progress in promoting safe and sustainable travel, achieving a considerable reduction in single car journeys. Over the past five years, initiatives targeting students, staff, and parents have resulted in a nearly 50% decrease in car use and increases in walking and cycling. Their evidence-based approach, including awareness campaigns, traffic censuses, and infrastructure improvements like additional bike sheds, has contributed to this success. The ‘Step into Spring Campaign’, alongside ongoing community engagement with local councillors, has been particularly effective in reducing congestion. Cycling has become a cornerstone of their sustainability plan, with continued improvements to cycling infrastructure.  

Nominee: Saddleworth School
Local Authority: Greater Manchester
Postcode: OL3 5NU

The school has implemented several initiatives to improve air quality and promote sustainable travel. Collaborations with local bus companies encouraged drivers to turn off engines during pick-up times, while the Park & Stride scheme helped reduce car use. Cycling is promoted with secure bike parking and a bike library. Youth Travel Ambassadors (YTA) led walking and scooting competitions, road safety assemblies, and physical education lessons focused on navigation skills. These efforts have significantly increased engagement in sustainable travel, reducing the school’s carbon footprint and improving air quality, while empowering students to make informed travel choices. 

Nominee: The Castle School
Local Authority: South Gloucestershire
Postcode: BS35 1H

The school community has worked together to achieve significant reductions in car use while increasing active travel. Road and Rail safety are a key focus, with the council’s Road Safety Team delivering briefings. They promote cycling through a cycle-to-work scheme, the Golden Lock initiative, and an Active Travel Grant that funded an electric pool bike for staff. Their Active Travel Ambassadors secured funding for a week-long road closure, reducing congestion and improving safety. These efforts resulted in a 7.5% drop in car use and notable increases in walking, cycling, and park and stride.  

Nominee: The Sele School
Local Authority: Hertfordshire
Postcode: SG14 2DG

The School Travel Plan focuses on raising awareness, changing behaviours, and empowering students. They collaborate with local schools, organisations, and families and are committed to promoting active and sustainable travel to reduce their environmental impact and encourage positive societal change. They participate in Clean Air Day and use anti-idling measures to encourage alternative travel. They also offer Bikeability and the Bike Purchase Scheme, while providing free bikes through a recycling programme. Public transport is prioritised for school trips, and road safety education is a key part of their curriculum. Walking is also promoted, with efforts to identify safe routes and convenient drop-off points.

Winner: Applefields School
Local Authority: City of York
Postcode: YO31 0LW

The school have embedded active travel into school life through the leadership of their Active Travel Ambassadors (ATAs). They use data and research to shape campaigns and refine the School Travel Plan. The school tackle challenges with initiatives like ‘Dr. Bike’ sessions and assemblies led by Police Community Officers. Their ‘Satellite – Be Bright’ shop promotes road safety while funding further travel initiatives. Pupils participate in Bikeability training, route planning, and public transport sessions. Active travel is integrated into lessons, offering leadership opportunities such as presenting at the Modeshift Convention, ensuring sustainable travel remains a key priority. 

Nominee: Lakeside School
Local Authority: Hertfordshire – East of England
Postcode: AL8 6YN

The school address transport issues by collaborating with local organisations and the community. They have implemented staggered arrival times, limit staff parking during events, and encourage car sharing. Pupils learn about road safety and the Highway Code through practical outings, and offer bike parking and maintenance workshops. They also incorporate public transport into the curriculum to build independence. Environmental initiatives like anti-idling campaigns and Clean Air Day help promote sustainable travel and better air quality. Their work has strengthened community relationships and empowered students to make sustainable travel choices. 

Nominee: Queensbury School
Local Authority: Birmingham City Council
Postcode: B24 8BL

Queensbury School have made great strides in encouraging sustainable travel through their Modeshift STARS Travel Plan. By reducing car use, promoting car sharing, and supporting public transport, they have made it easier for students, staff, and families to adopt greener travel choices. Their Independent Travel Training programme equips students with the skills to confidently use public transport. They’ve also implemented safety measures including a 20mph school zone, and sustainability is embedded in their curriculum with initiatives like National Clean Air Week. They continue to equip students with life skills that promote independence and a commitment to sustainability. 

Nominee: The Waterloo School
Local Authority: South East England
Postcode: Po7 7JJ

The school continually work to improve road safety and encourage active travel. They have tailored initiatives like Spring into Action, Clean Air Day, and Walktober to ensure accessibility for SEND students, fostering wide participation in Modeshift STARS activities. Their Junior Road Safety Officer (JRSO) Team and School Council lead surveys and traffic counts, addressing issues such as illegal parking and idling through targeted actions. Travel education is integrated into their daily routine with road safety lessons, local walks, and opportunities for cycling and scooting during breaks. Their efforts are designed to promote sustainability, safety, and independence, while supporting their STARS accreditation. 

Nominee: Warmley Park School
Local Authority: South Gloucestershire
Postcode: BS30 8XL

Sustainable travel is promoted through partnerships with local authorities, Modeshift STARS Active Travel Ambassadors (ATA), and Warmley Wheelers. ATA’s have led initiatives like Walk and Wheel Wednesdays, promoted Diamond Travel Cards, and supported Bikeability training, including adapted sessions for SEND students. Key achievements include secure cycle parking, reduced idling near gates, and staff engagement in the Cycle to Work scheme. Off-site scavenger hunts have helped students build navigation skills and walking expeditions and local trail activities have promoted wellbeing.  Public transport education delivered by the ‘Try A Train’ programme enhances SEND students’ independence and sustainability awareness. 

Winner: Slough Centre Nursery School
Local Authority: Slough Borough Council
Postcode: SL1 3EA

The nursery promote healthy and sustainable travel through various initiatives involving children and parents, including Park and Stride, and bling your bike or scooter days. Children enjoy active play with nursery-provided bikes and scooters in the garden, and share experiences like bus rides, sparking group discussions and songs. They observe and count traffic, practice road safety, and discuss the health and fitness benefits of walking. Parents participate in active games with children and raise parking concerns with staff and local councillors. Regular communications and an updated Travel Policy reinforce these efforts.

Nominee: Natural Choice Nursery Puddles
Local Authority: South West England
Postcode: GL51 7SU

The nursery is dedicated to supporting sustainable travel practices for children and staff alike. They have worked closely with the local authority to achieve Modeshift STARS Very Good Travel Plan accreditation and have actively gathered feedback from parents to encourage active travel. They have introduced activities such as ‘bling your bike’ and ‘Be Bright Be Seen’, and provide staff and parents with bike storage, buggy storage, shared bus timetables, and cycle route planners. These initiatives are part of the nursery’s environmental policy to inspire families to embrace walking, cycling, and public transport.

Nominee: South Normanton Nursery School
Local Authority: Derbyshire/East Midlands
Postcode: DE55 2JB

Sustainable and healthy travel options are promoted to children, parents, and staff by providing bikes, trikes, and scooters for daily use, and encouraging Park and Stride participation. An activity day was arranged where families ‘blinged’ their bikes and scooters, and travel-related information is shared through posts, along with resources like cycle maps and journey planners. The school participates in events like Balance Bike training and active travel is promoted at staff meetings and via Facebook posts. Safe parking at the school is provided, with racks for 30 bikes and scooters.