The latest Modeshift STARS Education League Tables are here, and there’s been plenty of movement since the Spring rankings. Local Authorities across the country continue to support schools in promoting active and sustainable travel, with some impressive climbs, new entries and some familiar names.

Latest STARS Education League Tables – Autumn 2026

Here, we highlight some of the standout performances in both the Small and Large Local Authority categories.

Small Local Authorities (less than 100 schools)

• Southampton have maintained top spot with an amazing 44% of education sites accredited.
• North Somerset are the only top ten mover, jumping three places to 3rd with 30.23% of accredited sites.
• Barnsley have moved from the large LA category to the small LA category and have gone straight into 7th place with 21.43% of accredited sites.
• Thurrock have the most at Outstanding accredited sites out of the small local authorities.

Large Local Authorities (more than 100 schools)

• South Gloucestershire have maintained top spot with 36.84% of education sites accredited.
• Wirral moved up one place to 3rd.
• Hampshire moved up one place to 6th
• A big top ten move is from Birmingham who have jumped four places and now sit 8th with 132 sites accredited (23.78%).

Some special mentions for the Large Local Authorities:

• Wigan have moved up nine places to 15th with 12.88% accredited.
• North Northamptonshire have jumped 11 places to 26th with 6.5% accredited.
• Calderdale are seeing the benefit of their dedicated Modeshift STARS Officers and have jumped an incredible 14 places to 31st .
• Hertfordshire have an impressive 14 Outstanding Sites.  

Over to you

Southampton – Rachel Oliver, Sustainable Travel lead:

‘Maintaining the top spot in the small LA category for another year running is an incredible achievement and shows the hard work from both the school staff, children and especially the Sustainable Travel Officers at Southampton City Council. I am very proud of the work we are undertaking to ensure children can have an active, safe and fun journey to school. We look forward to working with more schools in our city and increasing our accreditation numbers next year.’

North Somerset – Abbie Edbrooke:  

‘North Somerset Council has climbed three places to rank third in the Small Local Authority category of the latest Modeshift STARS accreditation results, with 30.23% of education sites now accredited. 

The achievement reflects the council’s wider School Travel Programme, which works with schools to make walking, wheeling and cycling safer and more appealing. Through individual school travel plans, the programme identifies barriers, local priorities and opportunities for improvements, while Modeshift STARS provides a framework for engaging pupils, parents and staff in activities that encourage healthier, more sustainable travel choices. 

By combining travel planning, practical improvements and behaviour change, the programme helps children develop active habits that can last a lifetime. This supports their health, wellbeing and independence, while reducing congestion, improving air quality and creating safer, healthier communities. A collaborative, long-term approach ensures improvements reflect individual school needs and deliver lasting benefits.‘

Cllr Hugh Malyan – Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport: 

‘This is a fantastic achievement and a real reflection of the commitment of schools across North Somerset. Helping children develop positive travel habits from an early age can have a lasting impact on their health, wellbeing and independence, as well as the communities they grow up in. 

“Every school and community has different needs, which is why we’ve taken a long-term, collaborative approach, building strong relationships and working together to overcome barriers and identify opportunities on a local level. By combining travel planning, practical improvements and activities that encourage healthier, more sustainable choices, we’re really pleased about the lasting benefits for pupils and families. 

“While this national recognition is fantastic, the real success is helping more children and families make healthier, more active journeys and build habits that last a lifetime. Thank you to all the schools, pupils, staff and partners who have made this possible.’

South Gloucestershire – Councillor Louise Harris, cabinet member for the climate and nature emergency :

‘We’re absolutely delighted and immensely proud that South Gloucestershire has retained its position at the top of the Modeshift league table for large authorities, with the highest percentage of schools achieving Modeshift STARS accreditation.  “This achievement is a testament to the incredible commitment and enthusiasm shown by our schools, staff and pupils who embrace sustainable travel initiatives every day. Taking part in this scheme not only helps improve the environment by reducing car journeys and improving air quality, it also encourages children to lead healthier, active lifestyles.’

Birmingham City Council – Joe Green, Travel Demand Manager:

‘Birmingham City Council was delighted to hear we’ve entered the top ten (of large local authorities for Modeshift STARS education site accreditations)! We’ve been using Modeshift STARS for many years, and it is central to encouraging safer, healthier, greener travel to school. We take a strong partnership approach in Birmingham, and Modeshift STARS brings together various resources and initiatives supported by the city council along with Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, Living Streets, Bikeability and many others. Schools get a key point of contact who helps them develop a travel plan and access activities to gain nationally recognised accreditation. Over the last year, we have taken an active role in coordinating physical improvements to the streets around schools through our new Safer School Journeys programme. This has engaged new schools in Modeshift STARS and resources like Active Travel Inspectors has placed the views of pupils at the heart of making streets outside schools safer, creating an environment where people choose to walk, wheel or cycle. We look forward to continuing our Modeshift STARS journey – and maybe climbing even higher up the charts!’

 A huge well done to all!

Congratulations to all the Local Authorities, schools, and teams working tirelessly to deliver positive change. We can’t wait to see what the next update brings.