A THORNBURY school is helping make the district the best in the country for ‘sustainable travel’.
St Mary’s C of E Primary School has seen its rating under the Modeshift STARS (Sustainable Travel Accreditation and Recognition for Schools) scheme raised from ‘good’ to ‘very good’.
The rating recognises work being done to encourage families to leave the car behind on the school run and walk, cycle or scoot to school.
Last year the Voice reported how St Mary’s initiatives, including an active travel zone map on its website, which shows families which places are a five or ten minute walk away, had won it a bronze award – now renamed ‘good’ – and the school has now stepped up to the next level.
South Gloucestershire Council highlighted the achievements of St Mary’s and 33 other schools and nurseries across the district, as it was named top of the 78 local authorities across the country registered for the scheme.
The council has been taking part since March 2020 and has two schools rated as ‘outstanding’, one ‘excellent’, five ‘very good’ and 22 ‘good’.
Children’s ‘commitment and engagement’ is key
Council cabinet member for climate Louise Harris said: “It’s an honour to be top of the Modeshift STARS league for large local authority areas. It’s an achievement which is down to our fantastic schools and the commitment and engagement of their amazing pupils.
“Not only does the scheme support the environment by reducing car journeys, it encourages children to be healthy and active while reducing school run congestion, and improving air quality.”
The council funds new infrastructure to help support more active travel, paying for items such as scooter and cycle storage, lockers for pupils, outdoor parent shelters and seating.
Schools that achieve ‘very good’ status, like St Mary’s, receive £4,000.
Picture: St Mary’s C of E Primary School pupils and staff show off their new rating.