The National Schools of the Year Awards, the original Modeshift STARS National Travel Awards, are now in their tenth year.
Back in March, Simon Lightwood MP joined us to celebrate the Awards, along with Rosie Writing MP and Rachael Maskell MP.
These awards recognise schools that have demonstrated excellence in growing levels of walking, wheeling, cycling, and other forms of sustainable and active travel within their school community. These sites haven’t just earned their Modeshift STARS Education accreditation — they’ve also stood out from the crowd, being named both Local Authority School of the Year and Regional School of the Year in their areas.
With 985 schools achieving STARS Education accreditation in the previous year, it really is a huge achievement to be nominated for one of our National School of the Year awards.
Here we catch up with the National STARS Travel Awards Winners for Education 2024/2025:
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- Chew Stoke Church School
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- Slough Centre Nursery School
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- Upper Batley High School, Kirklees
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- Applefields School
National Primary School of the Year 2024/25
Chew Stoke Church School, Bath and North East Somerset have embraced sustainable travel as a core part of their curriculum. They hold activities like Odd Socks Walk to School Day, Bling Your Bike, and Bike/Scooter Week. 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, cycle racks, and student-designed road signs. Nearly all pupils now walk, cycle, or scoot to school, promoting a healthier, more active school community.
National Secondary School of the Year 2024/25
Upper Batley High School, Kirklees 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.
Aman Singh Kang, Headteacher at Upper Batley High School adds; ‘We try to give our learners every possible opportunity to develop, both through the curriculum and through enrichment activities, and this is a prime example. Not only have they been rewarded for their efforts, but they have learned essential skills that will be invaluable for them as they continue their education post-16 and in their careers. We are very proud of their achievements with this work overall, as well as winning this prestigious award.’
National SEND School of the Year 2024/25
Applefields School, City of York 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.
Amy Richardson, Teacher from the school said: ‘Being Active Travel Ambassadors has given our students the chance and support to take the lead in building their travel skills. They have responded to this in an impressive way that makes us all very proud.’
National Early Years Establishment of the Year 2024/25
Slough Centre Nursery School promotes healthy and sustainable travel through various initiatives involving children and parents. These include, Park and Stride, 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. The nursery reminds parents of the benefits of walking, especially for those with multiple school drop-offs, and encourages parking at the nearby leisure centre and then walking to the nursery. Staff display signs and notices encouraging considerate parking and use of the designated Zig-Zag zones outside the main gate.
Kellie Carrol Early Years Practitioner at the school said: ‘At Slough Centre Nursery School we are extremely proud to hold accreditation for a Good Travel Plan. We also won three awards this year for promoting active movement and supporting sustainable travel. Our awards are ModeshiftSTARS Local Authority Early Years Establishment of the Year Award 24/25, Regional Early Years Establishment of the Year Award 24/25 and National Early Years Establishment of the Year Award 24/25.’
