Modeshift Chief Operating Officer Nick Butler joined Joe Morris MP on a visit to Stannington First School in Northumberland to present the school with their Modeshift STARS Primary School of the Region Award. They were joined by Deputy County Council Leader Richard Wearmouth.
The School Ambassadors and Eco Council showed the visitors around the school and shared the amazing work they are doing to encourage more families to travel actively to school.
Stannington First Schools STARS Success
Having achieved a Modeshift STARS Outstanding Travel Plan for the fourth time, this school have reduced car drop-offs by over 30% and increased walking by 20%.
Cycling engagement has improved with investment in safe cycling infrastructure and with all but one pupils earning their Bikeability Level 1 Award. Through creative community initiatives and staff training, they have promoted active travel, earning Ofsted praise for enhancing pupil health, safety, and readiness to learn.
Unique activities like curriculum-linked ‘Illuminated Sheep’ promotions, themed walking trails, and daily Living Streets Travel Tracker engagement have kept participation high, securing first place in their local authority for four consecutive years.
Nick Butler, Chief Operating Officer at Modeshift, said:
‘Achieving a Modeshift STARS Outstanding Travel Plan for the fourth time, while reducing car journeys from 32% to under 4% is an extraordinary accomplishment. What makes this even more impressive is that it has been achieved in a very rural setting where only around 40% of pupils live within walking distance of school.
Meeting the School Ambassadors and Eco Council was truly inspiring; their creativity, enthusiasm and leadership are clearly driving this remarkable shift toward walking, wheeling, cycling and scooting. The breadth of initiatives delivered, from Learn to Ride and Bikeability, to the WoW Walk to School Challenge, Park & Stride, scooter sessions, and even maintaining their own cycle track, demonstrates a whole‑school commitment that is second to none.
Everyone at Modeshift is incredibly proud to see them recognised as the North East Regional Primary School of the Year. Their achievements are nothing short of exceptional.’
The school were finalists at the Modeshift STARS National Travel Awards in the Primary School of the Year category. Winners were announced at The National STARS Summit and STARS National Travel Awards this week in London.
