Award-winning North Somerset schools see rise in active travel
A North Somerset school is leading the charge on active travel, with innovative schemes helping more children than ever to walk, wheel, scoot or cycle to school while inspiring wider community participation.
Leading the way is Becket Primary School, which has enjoyed an exceptional year through the Modeshift STARS programme. The school achieved Outstanding accreditation, was named both South West Local Authority School of the Year and South West Regional Primary School of the Year and increased its active travel rate from 64 per cent in March 2023 to more than 80 per cent.
This success has also been recognised nationally, with Becket selected as one of just seven primary schools invited to present at the National Modeshift STARS Awards at the Royal Society in March. This is the first time a school in North Somerset has been
This growing momentum is reflected more widely across the area. This spring, 33 North Somerset schools took part in the Big Walk and Wheel challenge, with pupils logging nearly 48,000 active journeys and covering over 71,000 miles between them, the equivalent to nearly three trips around the Earth. These efforts saved around 11 tonnes of carbon dioxide and contributed more than 10,000 hours of physical activity.
Top-performing schools in the challenge include Mead Vale Community Primary School, Worle Village Primary School, and St Peter’s Church of England Primary School, all achieving over 80% participation rates. Schools that increased participation from last year the most were Milton Park Primary School, Mead Vale Community Primary School, and Ashcombe Primary School.
With participation continuing to grow, more schools are being encouraged to get involved in active travel initiatives. Support is available through the council’s Sustainable Travel and Road Safety Team, helping schools join programmes such as Modeshift STARS and embed long-term behaviour change.
Cllr Catherine Gibbons, Executive Member for Children’s Services, Families and Lifelong Learning at North Somerset Council, said: “I’m a strong supporter of active travel in our schools, as it plays such an important role in improving children’s health, wellbeing and independence. I’ve seen first-hand during school visits how these initiatives are inspiring pupils and becoming part of everyday life. It’s fantastic to see staff and families working together to make active travel the easy and natural choice.”
Cllr Hugh Malyan, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at North Somerset Council, said: “Whether a school is just starting out with active travel initiatives, or looking to build on existing activity, support is available every step of the way. Even small changes can make a big difference to pupils’ health, wellbeing and the environment. It’s great to see this creating safer, healthier communities across North Somerset.”
Schools interested in taking part can contact the team at [email protected] to find out more.
