Congratulations to all this year’s Local Authority and Regional winners following a week of celebrations at the Modeshift STARS Regional Awards.
The Modeshift STARS Regional Awards showcase and celebrate the amazing Modeshift STARS journey each school is on. And, this year was extra special – with a remarkable 2,373 attendees joining the online events.
Celebrating Young Changemakers and Future Careers
More than 210 schools were nominated for an award, recognising their commitment to creating better journeys for pupils, families and their wider communities. From student-led campaigns and engagement projects to initiatives that encourage healthier and more independent travel choices, every nominated school demonstrated the positive impact young people can have when they are empowered to lead change.
While the awards celebrated excellence across the country, this year’s Secondary Regional Awards event introduced something new.
Inspiring the Next Generation
For the first time, members of the School Travel Alliance joined the Secondary Awards event to share their career journeys and provide an insight into the organisations working to improve everyday journeys across the UK.
Students heard from industry leaders representing organisations that influence transport, education, public health and community development:
- Emily Cherry MBE, Chief Executive, Bikeability Trust
- Matt Barber, Head of Growth and Partnerships, Walk, Wheel, Cycle Trust
- Nick Butler, Chief Executive Officer, Modeshift
- Catherine Woodhead, Chief Executive, Living Streets
During the session, we heard what their organisations do, the most rewarding aspects of their roles and the advice they would give to their secondary school selves.
The conversation highlighted the many different career paths available to young people who are passionate about helping others, improving communities and creating positive change. It also demonstrated how skills developed through school travel initiatives, campaigning and pupil leadership can open doors to a wide range of future opportunities.
Young People Leading Change
Across the country, students of all ages, from our early years settings to primary, secondary and SEND schools, are identifying challenges, developing solutions and influencing decisions that affect their daily lives. Whether encouraging their peers to travel differently, engaging with local decision-makers or helping shape school initiatives, they are making a meaningful contribution to their communities.
Emily Cherry MBE said:
‘Seeing young people lead change gives me the opportunity to learn from them. When we listen, engage and act on what young people are telling us they need we will shape not just transport choices for the future, but making it easier and healthier for everyone. Well done to all the schools and young people involved’
Celebrating Success
‘We are very proud of all our schools who were nominated at the Regional Awards. ‘
Alison Barraclough, Leeds City Council
‘We are very excited to be awarded the local authority school of the year, We really enjoyed the awards ceremony too and were all cheering and enjoyed seeing all the different schools and of course the mascots. I think our favourite was the penguin.’
Emmy Lovewell-Evans, Applefields School
‘Our team had a great time watching the regional awards this morning – thank you for putting on a great show! We are thrilled that two of our nurseries from our group won their categories.’
Lucy Kemery, Natural Choice Nursery Ltd
The Regional Awards showcased some of the best examples of student leadership, innovation and commitment from schools across the country.
The winning Regional Schools will go on to represent their areas at the National STARS School Travel Awards in London on 17 March 2027.
