London schools recognised as ‘STARS’ of active travel

Schools from across London have been recognised for their work to promote active and safer travel, as part of the STARS schools programme.

Founded in 2007, STARS (Sustainable Travel: Active, Responsible, Safe) is TfL’s flagship school travel accreditation scheme for primary and secondary schools.

STARS is designed to help and encourage young people – and the whole school community – to adopt safer and sustainable ways of travelling to school, such as cycling, walking and use of public transport.

Schools are judged on the number of initiatives they deliver, and their success in changing travel behaviour, and then awarded Bronze, Silver and Gold accreditation levels.

In 2018, 686 schools were awarded a Gold accreditation – more than ever before.

At the annual STARS event last week, awards were presented for the best primary and secondary school in North, South, East and West London.

The 2018 winners are:

• Lordship Lane Primary (Haringey, north London)
• Oakleigh School and Acorn Assessment Centre (Barnet, north London)
• Gilbert Colvin Primary (Redbridge, east London)
• The Campion School (Havering, east London)
• Herne Hill Primary (Southwark, south London)
• St Mary Magdalene School (Greenwich, south London)
• St Mary’s Bryanston Square CE Primary (Westminster, west London)
• Guru Nanak Sikh Academy (Hillingdon, west London)

Dr Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, said: “We all want to build a healthier and safer future for our children so to have them involved in encouraging us all to be more active and safe is fantastic.  

“The mayor and I are particularly proud of the STARS programme. Every participating school deserves an award and should be proud of their achievements.

“Being physically active sets children up for success: active kids are healthier, happier and do better at school.

“Sadly, far too many children in London aren’t as active as they should be. Walking, cycling and scooting to school are fun and easy ways to build more activity into the day.”

Gareth Powell, TfL’s managing director of surface transport, said: “TfL’s STARS accreditation scheme inspires young Londoners to think differently about travel and its impact on their health, wellbeing and the environment.

“This year, we have awarded gold status to 686 schools, more than ever before. We are delighted that so many schools across London are part of the programme and we’re determined to double that number, enabling more London children to enjoy the benefits of leading active lives.”

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